Psychiatry

Psychiatry consultations at MedicalES Pantelimon in Bucharest

MedicalES Pantelimon clinic offers psychiatry consultations with a team of dedicated specialists and state-of-the-art medical equipment. We focus on a comprehensive and careful evaluation of the patient and a personalized treatment plan that addresses all healthcare needs.

For appointments or additional information, you can contact us by phone at 031.433.84.00 / 0720.060.990 or through the online appointment form.

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, preventing and treating mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. It involves a detailed assessment of the patient’s mental health, which may include symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and many others.

Unlike psychology, psychiatry allows psychiatrists to prescribe medication, providing a medical approach to mental health issues. Psychiatrists are specialized doctors with expertise in understanding the complexity of the human brain and behaviors associated with various mental disorders.

Psychiatry may involve both pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy, depending on the specific condition. Psychiatrists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and therapists, to ensure comprehensive and personalized treatment for each patient.

What are psychiatry sessions, and how do they work?

Psychiatry sessions are meetings between the patient and the psychiatrist aimed at understanding and managing mental health issues. During the first session, the psychiatrist explores the patient’s history, symptoms and experiences to obtain a complete picture. A diagnosis is then established, followed by a personalized treatment plan that may include medication and/or regular therapy. These sessions are essential for monitoring the patient’s progress and adjusting treatment based on their evolution. The frequency of sessions may vary, being more frequent in the initial stages and reducing as the patient begins to improve.

When do you need a psychiatric consultation?

A psychiatric consultation may be necessary in many situations, but is often underestimated or delayed by patients due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues. It is important to understand that seeking psychiatric help is not a sign of weakness, but a first step toward a more balanced life. Signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for a psychiatric consultation include:

• Sleep disturbances: insomnia or excessive sleep may indicate a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety;
• Persistent anxiety: constant worry that interferes with daily activities may require evaluation and treatment;
• Depressive states: feelings of sadness or lack of energy lasting more than a few weeks may signal depression;
• Impulsive or self-destructive behaviors: sudden changes in behavior, especially towards self-harm, require urgent evaluation;
• Difficulty managing stress: stressful situations can trigger mental health problems, and psychiatry can provide necessary support in such cases;
• Hallucinations or delusions: these symptoms are specific to more severe disorders, such as schizophrenia, and require immediate intervention.

What to expect during your first session with a psychiatrist?

The first session with a psychiatrist is an important step toward understanding and addressing the patient’s mental health. Typically, it takes place in a relaxed and confidential manner, aiming to help the patient feel comfortable and share necessary information with the doctor (medical history, family history, previous treatments).

What conditions can be treated in a psychiatrist’s office?

A psychiatrist’s office is a place where patients can find support for a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to more complex issues like schizophrenia or personality disorders. The most common conditions treated include:

• Anxiety disorders: including panic disorder, phobias and generalized anxiety disorder, with treatments involving both therapy and medication;
• Depression: a common condition characterized by low mood, loss of interest in activities and other symptoms interfering with daily life. Psychiatry offers solutions through supportive therapies and antidepressants;
• Eating disorders: anorexia and bulimia are severe disorders requiring specialized intervention, often through a combination of therapy and medical supervision;
• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: affecting perception and behavior, these conditions require long-term treatment;
• Bipolar disorder: characterized by extreme mood swings, often requiring medication to stabilize emotional states;
• Personality disorders: including borderline, narcissistic, or antisocial personality disorders, treated with long-term therapy and, in some cases, medication.

The psychiatrist’s role in the patient’s therapeutic process

A psychiatrist understands each patient’s needs and creates a treatment plan tailored to them, encouraging healing in a humane and empathetic way. If you are facing emotional or behavioral challenges, do not hesitate to seek help from a psychiatric specialist for a balanced and healthy life.