Psychiatry in Dubai: Expert Treatment for Mental Health
What is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine which deals with emotional, behavioural and psychological disorders. Psychiatrists are medically qualified doctors who have graduated from medical school and undertaken further extensive training in the field of Psychiatry.
Psychiatrists are able to treat a very broad range of conditions with a range of different treatment interventions. They elicit symptoms and make a diagnosis by undertaking careful and methodical formulation and assessment interviews with the patient.
It is important for the psychiatrist to fully understand the patient’s individual journey and their unique emotional experience. All our psychiatrists are Western-qualified and internationally recognised experts in their respective fields. They hold active specialist licenses in Dubai and their home countries.
What happens during an initial consultation?
The initial consultation will last for 60 minutes. During this consultation the psychiatrist will take a detailed history to understand the nature of the problem, how it first began, how it has developed, how it may have affected you in the past and how it may be affecting you today.
The psychiatrist will undertake a careful analysis in order to arrive at a definitive diagnosis, following which he will advise you on the different treatment options so that you are able to make a collaborative and informed decision.
Occasionally, in more complex situations the psychiatrist may require 2 or 3 initial assessment sessions in order to arrive at the correct diagnosis, which will then allow for a treatment plan to be formulated.
The psychiatrist may also request blood tests or previous medical records as part of his assessment process. The psychiatrist will also complete any insurance forms required for approval for clients who are claiming from medical insurance.
How long is an initial consultation?
All initial consultations will last for 60 minutes.
How to decide on a treatment plan?
Following an initial formulation and assessment session, the psychiatrist will discuss his opinion with you regarding the diagnosis and treatment plan. The psychiatrist will explain what the recommended treatment strategy should be in your specific situation to enable to you recover.
This will be based on the latest treatment guidelines from the UK such as Nice (https://www.nice.org.uk). Treatment packages may comprise of different elements including medication and /or therapy in order to contain and manage the patient’s anxieties.
Therapy can involve contact with a counsellor, psychotherapist or clinical psychologist. These are commonly referred to as the talking treatments. Some forms of talking therapy may be delivered by the psychiatrist. This depends on what is determined for your individual bespoke care and treatment package.
What happens at a follow-up appointment?
The frequency and duration of follow-up appointments are usually decided between the patient and the psychiatrist after the initial assessment has been concluded. Follow-up appointments can last for 30 minutes or an hour depending upon what has been agreed.
Follow-up appointments are a useful forum to review treatments and goals, assess changes, clarify and address any outstanding issues and to provide continuity of care and support.
What types of treatments do Psychiatrists provide?
All of our psychiatrists and psychologists in Dubai are strongly committed to placing our patients at the heart of everything we do. We are strongly committed to empowerment, autonomy and the principles of recovery.
Trust and integrity form the foundation of any positive therapeutic relationship. It can take time for trust to build up.
Psychiatrists treat a broad range of conditions eclectically. Examples of conditions commonly treated by psychiatrists include:
ADHD; depressive disorders; anxiety disorders; OCD; panic disorders; phobias; eating disorders; self-esteem problems; relationship difficulties etc. This list is not exhaustive. The list of all the issues can be found here -> All Psychiatric issues.
Treatments include talking therapies and/or medications. There are a myriad of different medications to treat different disorders and conditions.
The patient and the psychiatrist will reach a joint decision to commence medication, if that is required. In many situations medication is not required. The prescribing psychiatrist will spend considerable time explaining the benefits, side effects, interactions, dosage and anticipated duration of treatment, so that you feel happy and comfortable before starting any new treatment. If medications are an initial consideration it may be helpful to see a psychiatrist in the first instance.
Understanding Psychiatry: What It Is, Its Role, and When You Need It
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and when issues arise, professional help can make a significant difference. Psychiatry, a branch of medicine, plays a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Understanding what psychiatry involves, how it differs from psychology, and when to seek a psychiatrist can help individuals make informed decisions about their mental health care.
What Does Psychiatry Do?
Psychiatry is the medical field dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialising in mental health, including substance use disorders. Their role goes beyond just listening and talking—they are trained to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.
Psychiatrists are equipped to diagnose complex conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. They can prescribe medications, offer psychotherapy, and provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs. A psychiatry consultation involves a thorough evaluation, where the psychiatrist considers various factors like family history, lifestyle, and physical health, alongside mental symptoms.
What’s the Difference Between Psychology and Psychiatry?
Though they both work in the field of mental health, psychiatry and psychology have distinct roles, educational backgrounds, and approaches to treatment.
- Education and Training:
- Psychiatry: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who complete medical school and undergo several years of specialised training in psychiatry. They have the ability to prescribe medication and often work with patients with severe mental health conditions.
- Psychology: Psychologists usually hold a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and are trained in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions through non-medical means, primarily using psychotherapy. They do not prescribe medication but may work closely with psychiatrists if medication is needed.
- Approach to Treatment:
- Psychiatrists focus on a medical approach, using pharmacological interventions and other treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe cases. They can integrate psychotherapy, but their primary focus is often on the biological and neurochemical aspects of mental health.
- Psychologists use a range of therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, and other talk therapies to address emotional and behavioural issues.
- Types of Disorders Treated:
- Psychiatrists often deal with complex, severe, and chronic mental illnesses that may require medication, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder.
- Psychologists frequently treat conditions like anxiety, phobias, and other emotional and behavioural issues using therapy alone.
Why Do I Need a Psychiatrist?
Deciding to see a psychiatrist can be a pivotal step toward mental wellness. Here are some key reasons why someone might seek psychiatry consultation:
- Persistent Symptoms: If you experience ongoing symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood swings, or other mental health issues that do not improve with lifestyle changes or initial therapy, consulting a psychiatrist can help. They can provide a deeper assessment and explore whether medication might be beneficial.
- Severe Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression often require medical intervention. A psychiatrist can tailor a treatment plan involving medication, psychotherapy, and other strategies to stabilise symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Need for Medication: Psychiatrists can prescribe medications that help balance brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms. For example, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilisers, and antipsychotics are common prescriptions that a psychiatrist may recommend based on the specific diagnosis.
- Complex Cases: When mental health symptoms are intertwined with physical health issues, substance use, or when there is a need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment approach, psychiatry offers the medical insight necessary to address these complexities.
- Emergency Situations: In cases of severe mental distress, suicidal thoughts, or psychosis, immediate intervention by a psychiatrist is crucial. They are trained to handle psychiatric emergencies and can provide both immediate care and long-term management strategies.
- Holistic Care: Psychiatrists take a holistic approach, considering the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of a patient’s health. This broad perspective helps in creating a well-rounded treatment plan that supports overall recovery and well-being.
How Psychiatry in Dubai Can Help You
Psychiatry in Dubai offers a range of specialised services tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Whether dealing with mild anxiety or severe psychiatric conditions, accessing psychiatry consultation can be the first step toward regaining control over your mental health.
- Comprehensive Evaluations: Dubai’s psychiatrists conduct thorough assessments to identify the root causes of mental health issues, considering personal, social, and cultural factors unique to each patient.
- Customised Treatment Plans: From medication management to psychotherapy, psychiatric care in Dubai is tailored to ensure that treatment aligns with the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
- Integration with Other Therapies: Psychiatry services in Dubai often integrate with other therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, EMDR, and holistic approaches, providing a well-rounded care model.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of psychiatry and knowing when to seek help are critical steps in addressing mental health challenges effectively. Psychiatrists provide specialised care that addresses both the mental and physical dimensions of mental health conditions, offering a comprehensive approach to treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, consider reaching out for a psychiatry consultation to explore the best path forward. The right support can lead to meaningful improvements in mental health and overall quality of life.