Visiting a psychiatrist for the first time can be daunting. It’s important to remember that psychiatrists are medical doctors specially trained in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. However, psychiatry Glendale, AZ, focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health conditions.

When you visit a psychiatrist for the first time, they will likely ask about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They may also ask about your family’s mental health history and your personal medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about any medications you are currently taking and any substance abuse issues.

It is important, to be honest with your psychiatrist and share as much information as possible. The more they know about you, the better they can help you.

These are some of the mental conditions that a psychiatrist can help you with:

• Anxiety disorders: Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition? Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia.
• Depression has severe symptoms that alter your mood, perspective, and ability to carry out daily tasks. To be diagnosed with depression, a person’s symptoms must last for at least two weeks.
• Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes drastic mood swings. These swings range from high (mania) to low (depression).
• Eating disorders: Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can lead to physical complications. They include bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
• Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that impacts one’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Schizophrenia patients sometimes appear to have lost all sense of reality.

What to expect during your first visit 

During your first visit, your psychiatrist will likely:

Ask about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Your psychiatrist may ask you to describe your symptoms in detail. They may also ask how often you experience them and how long they have occurred. You also need to answer about your thinking, feelings, and behaviors. It can help the psychiatrist to understand your condition.

Ask about your family’s mental health history

The specialist may ask about your family’s mental health history. This is because some mental health conditions are hereditary. This means that they can run in families. By knowing your family’s mental health history, your psychiatrist can get a better understanding of your risk for certain conditions.

Ask about your personal medical history

Your personal medical history is also important to your psychiatrist. Some physical health conditions can cause or worsen mental health symptoms. For example, an underactive thyroid gland can cause fatigue and depression.

Some of the treatment options that a psychiatrist can suggest include:

• Psychotherapy is talk therapy that can help you manage your symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy commonly used to treat mental health conditions.
• Medication: It can be used to treat some mental health conditions. For example, antidepressants can be used to treat depression.
• Hospitalization: Sometimes, a person may need to be hospitalized for their mental health condition. This is usually done when a person is a danger to themselves or others.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health condition, speak with a specialist at 2nd Chance.