Psychiatry Garden City and Levittown, NY
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a medical specialty focusing on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Conditions Treated in Psychiatry
A psychiatric health provider can treat a wide variety of conditions, including anxiety disorder, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and others.
Diagnosis of Psychiatric Conditions
A psychiatric health provider will use several diagnostic tools including laboratory and psychological testing, patient interviews, and interviews with others close to the patient. Diagnosis of psychiatric conditions is based on criteria within the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), containing descriptions, symptoms, and other facts pertaining to specific mental health conditions.
Treatment of Psychiatric Conditions
Depending on the psychiatric disorder, treatment can include medication to enhance mood and cognitive ability and various forms of psychotherapy. Talk therapy is often used. This type of therapy involves the therapist and patient discussing emotional behaviors and other factors in a constructive environment. Psychotherapy helps to control and manage symptoms and enhance a patient's mental health. Psychotherapy can include the individual patient, the patient's family, or group therapy.
When To See a Psychiatric Health Care Provider
You should see a psychiatric health provider if you are experiencing signs or symptoms like these:
- Difficulty managing your emotions
- Episodes of uncontrollable anger or rage
- Excessive or irrational fears
- Excessive sadness or worry
- Unusual eating or sleeping patterns
- Withdrawal from people and social situations
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
What To Expect During an Appointment With a Psychiatric Health Care Provider
You should bring a few items to your appointment, including a list of unpleasant signs and symptoms you are experiencing and a list of your current medications. Your psychiatric healthcare provider will discuss your current symptoms and any changes or new symptoms you are experiencing. Your provider may suggest journaling your feelings and emotions. Your family's medical and psychiatric history is also important and may be discussed. Your provider will develop a treatment plan designed to help control and manage your symptoms. The treatment plan may include medications and various forms of psychotherapy.
How To Get Help
- Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or use Lifeline Chat
- If you are a veteran or service member, press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line or text 838255
- For Spanish language, call 1-888-628-9454
- Call your medical provider