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Michigan Advanced Psychiatry

Michigan Advanced Psychiatry
In Psychiatry

When To See a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist taking notes with a patient in the psychiatrist’s office. | Michigan Advanced Psychiatry

With the demands and pressures of this fast-paced world, caring for your mental health is more important than ever. The responsibilities of work, family, and social life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon to struggle with emotional or psychological challenges. 

At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we understand that deciding to seek help can be daunting. Knowing when to see a psychiatrist is crucial for healing and achieving a balanced, fulfilling life. We’ve created this blog to help you recognize when it might be time to seek professional help from a psychiatrist, who will assist and support your mental well-being.

Understanding the Role of a Psychiatrist

Before delving into the signs that indicate it might be time to see a psychiatrist, it’s essential to understand what a psychiatrist does. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues. Unlike therapists, counselors, or psychologists, psychiatrists focus on the psychological and physical aspects of mental disorders. As a result, they can prescribe medication and provide an approach to mental health diagnoses that includes medical and therapeutic strategies.

Determining whether to see a psychiatrist or psychologist depends on your specific needs and the nature of your mental health concerns. If you’re experiencing symptoms that might require medication, such as moderate to severe depression, anxiety, or mood disorders, then you may want to reach out to a psychiatrist. On the other hand, if your primary need is talk therapy or counseling to address emotional or behavioral issues without the need for medication, a therapist or psychologist can provide effective treatment. 

For many individuals, a combination of both is most beneficial. Often, people will have a psychiatrist managing medication and a psychologist or therapist providing ongoing therapy. Ultimately, the choice may also depend on your diagnosis and personal treatment preferences. Discussing your symptoms with a general practitioner can help guide you toward the right specialist.

Signs That It Might Be Time to See a Psychiatrist

It is important to listen to your body and to pay attention to your behaviors and feelings when determining your medical care needs. This is especially true when it comes to caring for your mental health. Below, we have outlined some of the signs of different mental health issues warranting a need for treatment: 

Signs of Depression

  • Persistent sadness and hopelessness 
  • Disinterest in activities you once enjoyed 
  • Sadness on most days lasting more than a couple of weeks that disrupts daily life
  • Thoughts that you would rather not be alive, or wish you could go to sleep and not wake up

Signs of Anxiety 

  • Constant worry 
  • Restlessness 
  • Heart palpitations 
  • Frequent panic attacks 

Other Signs of Psychiatric Need

  • Changes in sleep patterns 
  • Insomnia 
  • Difficulty managing daily responsibilities or stress
  • Substance abuse
  • Self-harm 
  • Severe mood swings 
  • Struggles in relationships
  • Social isolation 

Recognizing these symptoms and reaching out for help can make a significant difference in your mental health and overall well-being. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially self-harm or suicidal thoughts or tendencies, psychiatric treatments can make all the difference in helping you find hope and the support you need. 

*If these thoughts are intense or persistent, OR if they include thoughts about wanting to take action to end your life, this is an emergency. Please utilize the nearest hospital or dial the national suicide and crisis line at 988. 

What to Expect When Seeing a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists dedicate themselves to helping you overcome your mental health challenges. As a result, you can expect a thorough and compassionate approach to your mental health needs when you visit. During your first appointment, the psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation includes discussing your symptoms, medical history, family medical history, and relevant life events. 

Following the evaluation, your psychiatrist will work to assess your emotional and psychological challenges. Based on that assessment, they may provide a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options. Your psychiatrist will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust treatments if necessary, and support your ongoing mental health journey. 

At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, our providers and medical team are committed to offering professional, empathetic care to help you achieve a healthier and more balanced life.

Treatments 

When it comes to treatment, there are multiple options that psychiatrists can offer. Everybody’s mental health situation is unique, and not all treatments can provide identical solutions for everyone. As a result, treatment options for mental health are diverse and often tailored to individual needs. 

Psychotherapy approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and talk therapy, are fundamental in addressing various mental health issues. These therapy techniques focus on helping individuals modify destructive thought patterns and improve coping strategies. When psychiatrists implement these techniques, it is often in combination with medication or interventional treatments. 

Medications play a crucial role in psychiatry, as they address the physical and chemical aspects of mental health illnesses. The main classifications of medication utilized in psychiatric treatment include: 

  • Antidepressants 
  • Stimulants
  • Anxiolytics
  • Sedatives
  • Antipsychotics
  • Hypnotics
  • Mood stabilizers

These medications target specific symptoms and aid in the treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and OCD.

For patients who do not respond to first-line treatments, there are trusted, innovative options that offer a pathway to relief. Therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato, vagus nerve stimulation, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and deep brain stimulation can be powerful tools in helping individuals overcome mental health issues. These methods are safe and FDA-approved for treatment and aim to enhance treatment success and patient well-being. 

Taking the First Step Towards Help

When taking the first step toward finding a psychiatrist, start by seeking recommendations from family, friends, and your primary care doctor. Their experiences and insights can guide you towards reputable professionals who may align with your needs. 

Once you have your recommendations, take the time to contact their offices to inquire about their availability, treatment approaches, and whether they offer initial consultations. Each psychiatrist has a unique approach and style, so exploring various options can help you identify one whose methods and personality resonate with you. This process ensures that you find a psychiatrist who not only understands your specific needs but also makes you feel comfortable and supported in your mental health journey.

Michigan Advanced Psychiatry is Here to Guide You

At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we provide authentic and trusted treatment options to those in the Ann Arbor and Troy communities. We are determined to help you succeed on your mental health journey. If you have questions or would like to book an appointment, please give us a call at (248) 885-8887.

If you are located in the Fort Wayne, IN area, we invite you to visit our partner website and explore treatment options near you.

Michigan Advanced Psychiatry
In Depression, Treatment

I Have Treatment-Resistant Depression. What Do I Do?

Woman looking out window in hopes of a depression cure. | Michigan Advanced Psych

When traditional depression treatments fail to work, it can feel like nothing ever will. If you’ve been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), know that you are not alone. There are treatments available that offer remission of symptoms.  

At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we specialize in innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato to help individuals like you find the relief you deserve. If you have treatment-resistant depression or are battling another mental health condition, there are options for finding lasting symptom relief.  

Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression

A treatment-resistant depression diagnosis is given when a person does not respond adequately to at least two different antidepressant treatments. It can be frustrating and disheartening, but understanding this condition is the first step towards finding the right solution.

Research shows that approximately 30% of those diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and who have tried medications, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, will develop treatment-resistant depression. The condition is not a super-rare abnormality, and no one should have to struggle in silence.

Why Traditional Depression Treatments May Fail

Traditional depression treatments fail to work for certain people due to a complex relationship between their own biology and individual response to medications. The following overview provides several reasons why standard treatments might not work for everyone.

  1. Biological Differences: Each person’s brain chemistry is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Studies show that people with TRD are more likely to have physical health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and thyroid disease. 
  2. Incorrect Diagnosis: Sometimes, the initial diagnosis may miss underlying conditions such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, which can complicate treatment results.
  3. Medication Issues: Some people may metabolize medications differently or experience intolerable side effects, making it difficult to find an effective dose.

Advanced Treatment Options

If traditional antidepressants haven’t worked, there are advanced treatment options available to you. At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we offer two cutting-edge therapies that are proven to provide relief to those who haven’t been successfully treated. 

For more information on the mental health conditions we are able to treat, click here. 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Our patients have experienced profound relief from their TRD symptoms when traditional medications weren’t enough. Here’s some reasons why TMS therapy might be a good fit for you. 

Proven Efficacy 

TMS has been shown to be effective in individuals who have not responded to other treatments. Clinical research demonstrates that TMS can significantly reduce symptoms of depression in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Many patients who have tried multiple medications without success have found relief with TMS.

Long-Lasting Relief

The majority of patients experience relief from depression for more than a year. Some find remission that lasts indefinitely. Regardless of duration, most patients experience some level of improvement in their mood and overall quality of life.

FDA-Approved Treatment 

TMS is a FDA-approved treatment for depression and anxious-depression, highlighting its safety and efficacy. It is not invasive, requires no medications, and has minimal side effects. 

It is important to know that TMS is not the same as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy or “shock” therapy). These are very different procedures with TMS having far fewer side effects and therefore tends to be much more favorable to patients.

Flexible Scheduling

Patients can return to their normal routines immediately after each TMS session, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules or responsibilities.

TMS sessions are brief and typically last about 20 minutes. At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we can schedule around your daily activities to minimize disruption to your life. You can return to your normal routines immediately after each TMS therapy session, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules or responsibilities.

And since TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation, there is no recovery period needed post-treatment. Patients are able to drive themselves to and from sessions.

Spravato Treatment

Spravato is a FDA-approved nasal spray designed specifically for treatment-resistant depression. It works differently than traditional antidepressants and can provide rapid relief of symptoms. There are many benefits of Spravato, with some of the most common ones listed below. 

  1. Rapid Relief: Many patients experience improvement in their depression symptoms within hours to days after their first treatment. 
  2. Targeted Treatment: Spravato targets NMDA receptors in the brain, offering an alternative pathway to relief.
  3. Medical Supervision: The treatment is administered in a controlled clinical setting with the supervision of experienced medical staff. At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we provide patients with the support and amenities they need to make them feel comfortable throughout each treatment session. 
  4. Enhances Therapy Outcomes: Spravato works very well with forms of psychotherapy, such as talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapy and Spravato treatment combined help patients achieve the best and lasting results. 
  5. Works with Antidepressants: Clinical trials have shown that Spravato, combined with an oral antidepressant, significantly reduces depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. This treatment is especially beneficial for those who need quick relief from severe symptoms.

What to Expect During Treatment

Understanding what to expect alleviates the anxiety associated with starting a new treatment like TMS therapy or Spravato. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect from treatment at Michigan Advanced Psychiatry or Indiana Advanced Psychiatry. 

The foundation of treatment is your first appointment. We’ll assess your medical history, previous treatments, and overall health to determine the best approach. Your treatments can be covered by insurance, and one of our team members will assist you with the insurance eligibility process. 

Based on our evaluation, we’ll determine which treatment option will work the best to treat your symptoms. For TMS therapy, treatment lasts between six to eight weeks, with sessions occurring five days per week. The initial treatment course with Spravato is typically over the course of eight weeks.

Our team will closely monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed to ensure the best results. If you are interested in working with a therapist during your treatment, we can help you find a trusted one close by. 

Contact Michigan Advanced Psychiatry Today

At Michigan Advanced Psychiatry, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care for those battling treatment-resistant depression. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more hopeful future. Call 248-885-8887 to schedule an appointment. 

If you are looking for more information to determine if our treatments are right for you, we invite you to take our self-assessment. 

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