Have you ever thought about seeing a psychiatrist? It is difficult for the general public to know what situations need a psychiatrist. To review, psychiatrists are physicians who treat mental illness (or mental disorders), utilizing medication treatment, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions. Mental health, on the other hand, is addressed by psychologists and social workers. People with mental health issues, like loss of a loved one, do not necessarily need a psychiatrist, as psychiatrists deal with mental illness, like schizophrenia. The following are 11 tell tale signs that it’s time to see a psychiatrist.
Thoughts of Self Harm
If you are having thoughts of self harm, then you need an urgent psychiatric assessment. If you have imminent thoughts of suicide and have a plan, then this is an emergency and you need an immediate psychiatric assessment, to prevent suicide. Thoughts of self-harm may be part of an underlying mental disorder such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or a psychotic disorder. Substance abuse can also trigger thoughts of self-harm. Hospitalization may be needed if safety concerns are present.
Thoughts of Violence
If you are harboring thoughts of violence, then you also need an urgent psychiatric assessment. Wanting to harm others may be a sign of an underlying mental illness, such as psychosis, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or dementia. Substance abuse can also be associated with violence, as drugs of abuse can disinhibit people to act on their thoughts. Having paranoid delusions may set one up for violence towards others, if they are paranoid that others are trying to harm them. A person with post traumatic stress disorder may be triggered by a particular person, if that person reminds them of the trauma they endured. If a person is suffering from dementia, then their cognitive decline may also influence there thinking, as the normal frontal lobe brain functions to suppress unwanted thoughts are now unsupressed. Hospitalization may be needed if a severe mental illness is present, and safety continues to be a concern. The doctor will also need to involve the police if there is an identifiable person or institution that is the focus of the violent thoughts. These measures are to ensure safety of the public and the person who is exhibiting these violent thoughts.
Delusions
Delusions are fixed, false beliefs, such as the belief that one can fly, or thinking one is the Chosen One, or believing that the FBI and CIA are after you (but the doctor needs to confirm this last one, as it could be true). Delusions could be part of an underlying mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, so a referral to a psychiatrist is needed.
Hallucinations
Hallucinations are defined as the perception of a stimulus through one of the senses (hearing, seeing, taste, feel, smell), but the stimulus is not present. This is differentiated from illusions, in which the stimulus is present, but the perception through the senses is distorted. Hallucinations should prompt one to see a psychiatrist immediately, as it could be due to an underlying mental illness, such as schizophrenia or a mood disorder.
Mood Instability
Mood instability such as irritability, low frustration tolerance, and mood swings may be indicative of a mental illness such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Having mood instability may interfere with counselling or self-help interventions. Therefore, it may be necessary to see a psychiatrist for an assessment.
Social Isolation
Isolating oneself may be indicative of a mental illness, like social phobia, panic disoerder with agoraphobia, major depressive disorder, or schizophrenia. One may have difficulty leaving their home, with resultant decline of relationships, employment, schooling, and self-care measures. This isolation cycle may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist.
Significant Changes in Behaviour
If people around you are concerned about significant changes in your behavior, then it may be time to see a psychiatrist. For instance, previously mild-mannered, but all of a sudden, you go on spending sprees, run up the long distance phone bill, you have had no sleep in days, yet are still full of energy…yes, it might be time to see a psychiatrist! The previous scenario depicts someone who may be exhibiting a manic episode as part of bipolar disorder.
Cognitive Decline with Worsening Functioning
If you are older than age 60, and you notice that your memory is worsening, are having difficulty with everyday tasks, and starting to misplace things, then it may be time to see a psychiatrist. Dementia might be a problem when cognition and executive functioning are declining.
Eating and Body Image Problems
If you are not eating properly, have low weight for your height and body type, and have body image problems, then you may need to see a psychiatrist. What is of concern here are eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Counselling Not Helping
If counselling is not helping and one continues to exhibit symptoms of a mental illness, then a referral to a psychiatrist may be needed. Sometimes, symptoms of an illness become so severe that psychiatric intervention is necessary, before one can benefit from counselling.
Primary Care Doctor Visits Not Helping
Primary care doctors treat a significant portion of patients with mental illness, as there is a worldwide shortage of psychiatrists. So primary care doctors become the primary treatment providers for patients with mental illness when psychiatrists are not available. However, if symptoms of a mental illness continue or worsen, then a referral to a psychiatrist may be necessary.
Summary
In summary, psychiatrists treat mental illness, and psychologists and social workers deal with mental health. The above list should help one to determine if they need to see a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, psychiatry is not easily accessible in many parts of the world. But if you need a psychiatrist, go to your family doctor and request for a referral to one. If a psychiatrist is not available in your region, then ask your doctor if there telepsychiatry available, where psychiatrists can see patients via video conferencing technology.
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I thought it was interesting to learn that dementia is actually a good reason to see a psychiatrist. My mother-in-law’s memory has been growing worse and worse over the past couple years, and my wife fears she has dementia. What type of treatment or approach would a psychiatrist take with someone like my mother-in-law who seems to be suffering from a steady decline in memory?
A geriatric psychiatrist can perform a comprehensive examination, looking at cognitive/mental status, neurological problems, and medical problems that can cause dementia. The geriatric psychiatrist can determine, with the help from a neurologist and family doctor, if the dementia is from medical and neurological causes, some of which are reversible and can address the cognitive problems once the underlying medical condition is addressed (ie Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency). If the dementia, such as from Alzheimer’s, is caught early enough, then there are some treatments that can slow down the progression of the cognitive decline, such as treatment with Aricept (donepezil).
My mom she has a mental illness she believes she is seeing bugs and parasites she is not I would like for her to make an appointment to see a therapist before her mental illness gets bad.
That’s a good idea. Good luck.
I have been having crazy emotions specially with anger i can’t control and i have no patients at all. I have throught about cutting my veins and i tried but i didn’t succeed. At one point am laughing the next am mad and screaming at everybody for no reason.
I’m sorry to hear of your suffering and mood lability- please see a psychiatrist as soon as possible.
My husband insists that I must see a psychiatrist yet I have no depression, anxiety, fears, etc. I enjoy my life and I enjoy my job very much each day. I never think suicidal thoughts or doing harm to others. What my husband is concerned about is how I have different religious beliefs now. There are thousands of people that believe what I believe and he thinks it is all delusional. How could I be delusional if I can easily contact hundeds of other people who believe just as I do for personal support? How do I go about convincing my husband that I am not delusional?
Sounds like you are highly functional and happy. Show your husband this article and educate him. If he is still insisting you see a psychiatrist, you may both need to see a marriage counselor.
I’m 48 years old and have had problems with binge eating and yo-yo dieting for 30 years. Six years ago I lost weight and thought I found peace with food and exercise and maintained my weight easily. I had a family issue that rocked my world a year and a half ago. I gained 40 pounds because I turned to food and alcohol to cope. I’ve spent the last year trying to lose weight but my moods are so unstable. Im depressed for 2 or 3 weeks( hopeless, worthless , over eat , only want to lay in bed and watch tv) then when I feel like I’m going to lose my family and job from being so depressed I pull myself out of it for a couple of weeks. I start feeling so much better that I feel like I’ll never feel depressed again and something pulled me down. I can’t stand the cycles anymore I don’t know how to stop. My family doctor Has prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds but they don’t do anything. She suggested a psychiatrist but I don’t know I’m just lazy or need to be more disciplined.
I agree with your family doctor…it’s time to see a psychiatrist. Quit thinking about it and just go- it may turn your life around.
I have dealt with ongoing depression for most of my life. For several years I have been taking Fluoxetine. My primary doctor has been prescribing the medication. Lately I have been feeling as if I am regressing. I have cut myself a few times,which has not happened in a long time. I have fought back tears during the day, felt OK, then thinking about suicide all in the same day. There are times that I feel euphoric. I been dealing with some deep- seated issues in counseling. I am confused as to whether the Flouxetine is no longer working or is all this emotional pain from dealing with issues.
Is your primary doctor a psychiatrist who is expert at depression treatment? If not, then get one.
Hi Dr.Carlo ?
I think its time to look 4 proffessional help
I have a hard time deciding on anything
I seem to have strong aguments with my wife
Im always feeling Confused
I worry about things to much
And some more
Im like lost .. at times but then there’s times im feeling Great.. what is it. I have mood Behaviors. Snappy at times.. and i relize that at times i isolate myself from general population
And no matter how hard i try to keep everything under control is only a matter of time b4 i go back feeling the same way i dont know what to do. I run my own business and through all this that im going to it feels like its restraining me from growing in all aspects of life.. thank you in advance 4 your understanding..
Sounds like you may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist.
Hi Dr Carlo,
Since late January 2018, I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiery by my regular family doctor.
I have been constantly verbally abused by my boss and the last alteraction was him swearing at me in public infront of my colleagues. At the same time I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and currently awaiting to see a cardiologist due to a heart murmur. Things have not been rosy these days and all these issues are making me very depressed and a sense of hopelessness and fear that I cant shake off. My family doctor has prescribed 10mg Cipralex and been taking it for 2 weeks now but it seems that the feeling is not going away. I spoke with a social worker for therapy and she says that I have situational depression. Do you think a psychiatrist could help me further?
Sorry to hear of your struggle. Yes, a psychiatrist could help you further, so please ask your family doctor for a referral.
Hello Dr. Carlo,
I am 34 years old male and last year while at work all of the sudden i felt lightheaded and had chest discomfort. Been to emergency rooms so many times and after they performed all cardiac relayed test and its all clear. I went to see a GI and he performed upper endoscopy and told me i have accute gastris and hital hernia. He put me on dexliant medication which i took for almost 8 months. To cut this short i have chest pain feel dizzy and shortness of breath. Am i going crazy? Do i needto see a psychiatrics?
Dear Mohammad,
Sounds like you may be experiencing panic attacks and anticipatory anxiety. Sometimes, medical illness can trigger these panic attacks. Having anxiety symptoms can make one feel crazy, but you most likely are not. It would be a good idea to see a psychiatrist.
I am worried about my mother. When I was in school she went through depression and later overcame it but she didn’t have any proffesional help. After that she doesn’t seem normal . Although she does everything from going to office and leading a regular life . She suffers from hypertension. She tries to control everything . For example she doesn’t approve of my brothers girlfriend and will not accept her . One night she had panic attack due to hypertension and her blood pressure increased. She was rushed to hospital. We have got test done for any physical problem but apart from blood pressure which becomes normal sometimes and also she is on blood pressure medication there is nothing that doctors have raised any concerns. Recently she is not doing well again. She is down mostly because of the same reason of my brothers girlfriend issue and sometimes talks to herself. If things don’t go according to her she becomes this way and I want her to let go of things but she is unable to. Should I consult and psychiatrist or a psychologist ?
You can try to refer her to one, but the decision is hers.
Hello sir .. Just wanted a little bit of help.. I’m really scared of exams and I often end up screwing it up.. Though I feel I’m prepared.. I get angry really easily.. I often feel like giving up on everything.. I’ve tried to completely isolate myself from everyone.. I really don’t want to talk to n face people .. I usually think a lot about everything.. I often day dream a lot.. Is it a problem or is it just a thought?
You may have test anxiety. Here is a detailed article on how to get help: https://anxietyboss.com/what-are-some-tips-to-deal-with-test-anxiety/
Hello, Dr. Carlo
I’m 19 year old female. Since last 3 months I’ve been really stressed out regarding my studies and due to my ongoing family issues which has forced me to socially isolate myself and now I’m experiencing increased brain activity and tend to talk to myself and over imagine things or events that never took place as i rarely speak to anyone. I never had suicidal thoughts but i do experience mood instability and constant thoughts of violence which leads to arguments with people. I often try to meditate but i can’t calm myself down or concentrate on somthing. I also do experience sudden heart palpitations and mood swings and tend to forget things. Do you think seeing a psychiatrist would help me ?
Your mood symptoms and violent thoughts need to be assessed by a psychiatrist immediately.
I have suffered with anxiety most of my life. I am currently in my 60’s. I have been on Zoloft(200 mg) for many years and do not feel it is working anymore. It’s like my mind never stops thinking and I have an adult son and his wife who are constantly trying to load there problems on me. I want to try another medication but can not decide if I should go back to my family doctor or see a Psychiatrist this time. Maybe it’s time for a specialist? I do see a Psychologist on a regular basis for many years now.
Wanda, sounds like you may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist- they can help you for more complex problems as you describe.
Thanks for pointing out that experiencing mood swings regularly could signify that you have an underlying mental illness. My friend mentioned that his cousin has been posting negative and suicidal-like things on social media lately. I should share this with him so he’d consider taking him to a psychiatrist for help.
Good idea.