Best Psychiatrist in Mumbai

A psychiatrist is a physician who specialises in prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of mental problems. Psychiatrists deal with mental conditions emanating from genetic factors. Although they recognize the role of social and environmental factors, psychiatrists approach symptoms from a biological point of view. Their mode of treatment involves medication, sometimes combined with therapy.

A psychiatrist must pursue a degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine. After that, they must pass a written exam to get a license to allow them to practice. Additionally, they must pass another exam to be licensed by the psychiatry board. The exam takes place every 10 years. A 4-year residency is also required for practising psychiatrists who must work with patients in hospitals and outpatient settings. They practice how to diagnose and treat health problems through medication. In addition, they can specialize in different types of psychiatry.

Sometimes it's difficult to determine whether you need a psychiatrist or a psychologist. See a psychiatrist if you have the following symptoms:

• Difficulties adjusting to changes in life
• Anxiety and worry
• Chronic depression
• Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
• Obsessive thinking, hallucinations, and delusions
• Addiction to alcohol and drugs
• Body image problems
• Poor concentration, emotional outbursts, and sleep issues

If you aren't sure how you feel, a primary healthcare provider can direct you to a suitable mental health specialist based on your symptoms.

The difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is in training and approach to treatment. Psychiatrists focus on genetics-related mental problems, using prescription medicine in treatment. On the other hand, psychologists focus on mental conditions emanating from social and environmental factors. Their primary mode of treatment is talk therapy hence are also called therapists. In cases where one mode of treatment is ineffective, the two can work as a team combining medication and therapy.

Yes. Psychiatrists can treat anxiety using different forms of medication such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. The medication depends on the severity of individual cases. The first line of medication helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and digestion. Mood regulation creates feelings of well-being. When you eat and sleep properly, you can take control of your life.

No. The best psychiatrists in Mumbai focus on medication forms of treatment for genetic-related mental illnesses. In cases where medication is not enough, the psychiatrist can recommend counselling and therapy from a psychologist. Research shows that combining therapy and medication leads to better outcomes than using medication or therapy alone.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that has no specific cure. A psychiatrist will place you under different forms of medication to manage the symptoms. This means you must be on medication for a long time (sometimes lifelong). Therapy is also included in schizophrenia treatment. Your psychiatrist will connect you with a reliable psychologist for talk therapy. This combination will help you take control of your emotions, thinking, relationships, and decision-making.

The best psychiatrists in Mumbai can treat a range of mental conditions, including

• Severe depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
• Eating disorders
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders such as borderline personality
• Psychotic disorders
• Specific learning disorders

Specializations in psychiatry depend on different groups of patients. Psychiatrists can specialize after the general psychiatry training. These include

• Child and adolescent psychiatry which deals with children and young adults
• Geriatric psychiatry which involves senior citizens such as in nursing homes
• Forensic psychiatry deals with people in the legal field
• Addiction psychiatry which deals with addiction-related problems
• Pain medicine for people with chronic conditions
• Sleep medicine for those presenting sleep-related mental disorders

The consultation fees of a psychiatrist in Mumbai vary from one practitioner to another. Different hospitals also charge different amounts. The best psychiatrists in Mumbai charge an average of Rs 800 and Rs2500

Psychiatrists prescribe different medications depending on your condition. Some conditions, such as severe schizophrenia and depression, may require lifelong medications. For illnesses such as mild anxiety, the medication is used for a certain period. Other types of medication are taken only when the symptoms worsen.

Psychiatrists deal with genetic-related mental illnesses, which like other mental illnesses, are challenging to cure. The treatment offered by a psychiatrist for mental illnesses helps manage the symptoms. With the right combination of medications and therapy, it's possible to live a healthy and normal long life without medications.

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Psychiatrists in Mumbai can ask about your childhood issues depending on your symptoms. This helps them to know whether your childhood conditions trigger the current problem. Thus, they can determine the best form of treatment and whether you require therapy in combination with medication.