Mental Health (Psychiatry, Psychology)

Overview

As per World Health Organization (WHO), ‘Health’ is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Mental health affects our lives – the way we deal with stress, how we react in stressful situations, and how our reaction and behavior affects our physical and social well-being. There are various factors that can affect mental health like hereditary factors, genetic abnormalities, chronic illnesses, addiction, trauma, substance abuse, etc. Anxieties, phobias, lethargy, addictions, hallucinations, mood swings, depression, and absent-mindedness – are some of the many symptoms that can interfere with day-to-day activities.

A Psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor who distinguishes between physical and psychological causes of both mental and physical distress and specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Mental Health and emotional problems. A psychiatrist also plays a significant role in counseling those who are undergoing smoking, drug or alcohol de-addiction, or in cases that involve mental and/or physical trauma.

Alternate Name 

Antidepressants.

Body Location

Nerve cells in the Brain.

Procedure Type

Oral Consumption.

How is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Procedure Performed?

Patients need to consume the anti-depressants via oral means, with the help of water. Once consumed, the SSRI dissolves in the blood and targets the nerve cells. Such medicines propel the functioning of nerve cells in the brain that work on the emotional quotient of an individual. The medication has serotonin, a neurotransmitter. The chemical acts as a messenger to deliver respective signals to the brain.

Brain cells of an individual release some neurotransmitters while sending signals so that the message can get delivered one to another. Following the transfer, they take back the residue neurotransmitter for sending the next message. This is known as "reuptake".

During the depression, the areas of the brain dealing with emotions using serotonin lack functionality. Here, SSRI plays a crucial role by preventing the reuptake and increasing the serotonin release. Enough presence of serotonin facilitates the smoother transfer of messages. Thus, the connection between neurons gets better, and people start feeling more relaxed.

Emotional Counselling

Patients and families experience challenges in coping with emotional, psychological, social, environmental, and practical issues arising from an illness or the sudden onset of traumatic injuries. Counseling the patients and their families has a concrete role in hospital management. An Emotional Counsellor helps in venting out emotions, reducing stress, and facilitating the emotional and mental well-being of individuals as well as their families.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Treatment

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) are the first line of treatment for people suffering from depression. Doctors assign such medicine when some patient visits them with anxiety and depression. Besides depression issues, there are other aspects that doctors prescribe for SSRIs.

They are:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
• Bulimia.
• Panic disorder.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Risks For Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

While Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are one of the safest drugs available, they come with a few minor side effects. Patients need to look out for such side effects as they might affect their daily lives. Provided such side effects emerge, the patient should seek immediate medical attention from their concerned psychiatrist at Nanavati Max Hospital. The following are the risks;

Children's Behavior: The administration of SSRIs might cause mood swings and changes among children. Thus, doctors advise children to stay away from such medicines.

Fetus Issues: Pregnant women might face issues with their fetal development if they consume SSRIs during pregnancy.

General side effects: The anti-depressants have known side effects that patients need to be careful about. they are- headaches, insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, mellowed sexual desires, agitation, upset stomach, diarrhoea, erectile and ejaculation issues, etc.

Recovery From Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

As mentioned earlier, the recovery starts between four to six weeks, while for some, it might take six to eight weeks. The patient should remain in continuous contact with their concerned psychiatrists throughout the medicinal administration. The doctor will examine the situation and advise if any steps become necessary. Thus, the final say lies on the doctor, and the patients should not do anything without their recommendation.

Follow Up

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors work differently for different individuals. The doctor determines the dosage after assessing the severity of the patient's conditions. Here, the drug's effect will vary from one patient to another, depending on their severity. Speaking of general assessment, patients tend to notice improvements in their psyche after four to six weeks of medication. For some, it takes a few months to understand the complete effect of the medicines.

Here a patient must remember that if the drug does not show any effects within six to eight weeks, they should visit their concerned psychiatrist at Nanavati Max Hospital. The doctor might consider a different procedure for treatment or alter the doses administered to the concerned patient.

The concerned individual needs to have patience as medicines that target the neurons in the brain need some time for effective results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Does Psychiatry Address?

Psychiatry is a medical speciality that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health and are trained to understand the complex interplay between the mind and the body.

2. Are Psychiatrists Doctors?

Yes, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor. Psychiatrists undergo extensive medical training, earning a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) after completing medical school. After medical school, they complete specialised residency training in psychiatry, which involves further study and clinical experience in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

3. What is The Difference Between A Psychologist and A Psychiatrist?

The choice between psychologists and psychiatrists depends on individual needs, preferences, and the nature of the mental health concern.

• Psychologists: Provide therapy and counseling without prescribing medication.
• Psychiatrists: Have medical training, can diagnose mental health conditions, and can prescribe medication in addition to offering therapy.

4. What Can A Psychologist Help With?

Psychologists can help individuals with a range of mental health concerns and emotional difficulties. They specialise in understanding human behaviour, thoughts, and emotions and provide therapy and counselling services.

5. My Child Needs A Psychologist – Can I Come With Them?

Yes, as a parent, you can typically accompany your child when they visit a psychologist. It is often encouraged and beneficial for parents to be involved in their child's therapy process, particularly for younger children. Having a parent present can provide support and comfort and help establish a sense of trust with the psychologist.

Related Blogs

• Differences Between a Psychotherapist and a Psychologist 
• Understanding Anxiety Disorders: Exploring the Causes and Types
• Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Help