Adult Psychiatry is a school of psychiatry that encompasses a wide array of mental health conditions seen in male and female adults. This field of medicine focuses on specific biopsychosocial factors that impact the developmental, mental and emotional disorders that typically occur in adulthood. Psychiatrists who specialize in treating adults are skilled in preventing, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in mature individuals using both psychotherapy and medication.
The most common psychiatric complaints that lead adults to see a psychiatrist include depression and anxiety-related disorders. Anxiety-related disorders range from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to panic disorder, phobias and social anxiety disorder. Other common conditions psychiatrists often see include eating disorders, alcoholism and other substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For every stage of adult life – from young adults beginning their lives to mature adults and seniors – psychiatric evaluation and treatment can help address mental health concerns or perhaps just the transitions inherent in adulthood. Contact us online or call ☎ (773) 594-9944 to schedule an initial consultation.
Adult Psychiatry encompasses the full range of factors that impact mental health in adults from age 18 to end of life. As a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in adults, psychiatrists in this field are medical doctors who can assess mental and physical symptoms, prescribe medication, and recommend other treatments like psychotherapy and lifestyle changes in order to help adults manage mental health conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and substance use disorders.
Adult psychiatrists focus on psychological, biological and environmental aspects, as well as medical, social and cognitive issues. They also take into consideration work and educational factors, together with family history and genetic factors.
Whatever the condition being addressed - from bipolar disorder or schizophrenia to more common conditions like depression, anxiety and ADHD – all adult psychiatric treatment typically involves the following steps:
Evaluation: The initial Adult Psychiatry evaluation is the very first step taken. This initial evaluation will help to diagnose the specific mental health disorder(s) affecting the adult.
Diagnosis: An adult’s diagnosis may change over time, as the adult matures into later life. It also may change as more in-depth treatment reveals additional diagnoses. Improvement in the condition(s) is another reason diagnoses may be altered.
Treatment Plan: Developing a treatment plan is the next step. Based on the initial evaluation, the most effective treatment options can be identified. Psychiatric treatment may involve different types of interventions, using medication and therapy. Oftentimes, lifestyle modifications like changes to an adult’s diet or incorporating more healthy movement may be helpful.
Every psychiatric evaluation is based on the needs of the individual being evaluated. An assessment is typically based on the thought patterns and behaviors the individual is exhibiting, as well as other specific factors at issue. Adult psychiatrists seek to identify and address behaviors and thinking patterns and how they are affecting an individual, specifically with regard to:
A comprehensive evaluation is typically required to diagnose behavioral, psychological or developmental disorders in adults. The most common elements in most psychiatric assessments include the following:
Physical Exam and Medical Testing: One aspect that separates psychiatry from psychology involves a focus on the physiological aspects of mental health. Adult psychiatrists may conduct a physical exam to rule out underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to mental or emotional symptoms in an adult. Medical tests - ranging from blood work or urine analysis to MRIs and CT scans – may be used to assess physical and mental conditions and any connections between the two.
Interview: An adult psychiatrist will generally require a detailed interview to collect information about the immediate concerns, as well as medical history, family history, and any prior diagnoses or treatments.
Evaluative Tools: A variety of questionnaires or evaluative testing may be used to further assess the psychiatric condition of the individual seeking treatment.
Unlike Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry does not have the same level of involvement from parents, teachers or other professionals, so self-referral for treatment is often the primary method for an adult to enter psychiatric treatment. Family involvement is encouraged but not mandatory. Once the psychiatric evaluation is complete, an initial diagnosis is made. The primary psychiatric provider will be able to address questions as long-term and short-term treatment goals are developed.
A Note about Crisis Stabilization: In acute mental health crises, emergency evaluations are usually conducted to assess the immediate risk to the adult and others, and to determine the appropriate level and type of psychiatric care needed to stabilize the crisis.
If an adult needs psychiatric care, the first step is the initial psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis, which allows us to develop a treatment plan. Call ☎ (773) 594-9944 or contact us online for an initial Adult Psychiatry consultation.
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry, SC
5420 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60630
Phone:
(773) 594-9944
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