Psychiatry
Psychiatry
Psychiatry is a medical field that studies the brain's functions related to emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and diagnoses and treats diseases that affect these functions. Psychiatric disorders can result from bodily structure and function disorders or abnormal life experiences that deeply affect an individual. Among psychiatric disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, social phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Specialists in this field may use various treatment methods such as medication and psychotherapy depending on the patient's needs.
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
Depression is a mood disorder where the individual consistently feels sad, hopeless, helpless, and pessimistic. Genetic factors, hormonal changes, and certain personality traits are among the causes of depression. Depression patients often present with symptoms such as hopelessness, agitation, slow thinking and decision-making, self-blame, loss of appetite, fatigue, and frustration. These symptoms negatively affect the individual's daily activities and social life. It is important to distinguish between feelings of sadness in daily life and depression. The difference between depression and everyday mood disturbances is revealed through physical and mental symptoms such as sleep and appetite disorders, social withdrawal, isolation, and suicidal thoughts.
The diagnosis of depression is made through psychiatric evaluation after clinical examination and, if necessary, laboratory tests. During the psychiatric evaluation, the patient is asked about their life, emotions, thoughts, and health problems. Symptoms of depression include disinterest experienced most of the day nearly every day, weight loss or gain without dieting, constant fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, self-blame, lack of concentration, indecision, and recurring thoughts of suicide. For a definitive diagnosis of depression, these symptoms must significantly restrict the individual's functionality.
Medical treatment methods are usually used in the treatment of depression. Antidepressants are among the effective drugs in the treatment of depression. A suitable drug or combination of drugs is selected from tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and antipsychotic drugs for each patient. Since sudden discontinuation of medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms, they should be tapered off or the dose should be adjusted gradually. Medication should always be under the supervision of a doctor. In addition to medical treatment, psychotherapy can also be applied in the treatment of depression. Psychotherapy helps the individual develop skills such as adapting to difficulties, finding life satisfaction, replacing negative attitudes with positive ones, and avoiding behaviors that trigger depression. In cases where medical treatment and psychotherapy are insufficient, hospitalization may be recommended.
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorder is characterized by anxiety and panic that are so overwhelming that they interfere with daily activities, unlike the usual anxiety and panic experienced in everyday life. Anxiety disorder is more common in women, individuals who are socially suppressed, and those with a history of childhood trauma. This disorder includes subgroups such as panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are characterized by sudden panic without a specific cause, accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. Social anxiety disorder is defined as the fear of being judged in daily life events, and the presence of symptoms for at least six months is diagnostic. Agoraphobia is anxiety experienced in situations where leaving home or being in crowded or confined spaces causes discomfort. Generalized anxiety disorder is a state of excessive worry without a specific cause.
Causes of anxiety disorder include genetic predisposition, abnormal nerve pathways, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, stress, childhood trauma, and side effects of medications. Risk factors include low self-esteem, substance abuse, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety disorder may also develop in connection with other mood disorders. Individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder may also exhibit symptoms of anxiety disorder. Patients with anxiety disorder often present to the clinic with complaints such as restlessness, panic, shortness of breath, palpitations, concentration problems, trembling, and sleep disorders.
The diagnosis of anxiety disorder is made through clinical examination and assessment of the duration and intensity of the patient's symptoms. The most common treatment methods are medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety disorder. Medication treatment continues until symptoms improve, and it is usually recommended that medication and follow-up continue for another year after all symptoms have resolved. Psychotherapy involves sessions between a specialist and the patient, aiming to help the individual manage their anxiety. In cases where anxiety disorder presents with mild symptoms, relaxation exercises, meditation, physical activity, lifestyle and behavior changes, and stress management techniques can aid in treatment.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder. Individuals with ADHD often display impulsive behaviors, are constantly on the move, and have difficulty focusing and maintaining concentration. These issues can negatively impact their social skills, and patients often exhibit irritable, anxious, or unhappy behaviors.
Individuals with ADHD frequently present to the clinic with complaints of concentration problems and hyperactivity. The symptoms of ADHD are grouped under three main categories: impulsivity, hyperactivity, and attention deficit. Impulsivity refers to the patient’s difficulty in controlling themselves and acting according to their impulses. These symptoms include impatience, hastiness, uncontrolled reactions, and difficulty managing desires.
Hyperactivity is characterized by the individual being more physically active than peers and more active than what is typical for their developmental level. Symptoms of hyperactivity include moving quickly, talking fast, talking excessively, a constant desire to move, and an inability to sit still for long periods. Attention deficit refers to the individual’s insufficient duration and intensity of focus on a subject compared to peers and their developmental level. Individuals with attention deficit do not have trouble focusing on every topic, but they struggle to maintain their focus for an extended period. The ability to focus can vary depending on the person’s interests. Patients may sometimes engage in an activity they enjoy for a long time, while attention deficit symptoms reappear during another activity. Symptoms of attention deficit include difficulty maintaining eye contact, forgetfulness, frequent mistakes, inability to engage in the same task for long, and being easily distracted by external factors.
It has been observed that some individuals with ADHD have family members who also experience similar issues, indicating that genetic factors may play a role. Exposure to alcohol, cigarettes, and chemicals during pregnancy, complications during childbirth, and exposure to chemicals and infections after birth are also considered among the causes of ADHD. The cooperation between family, school, and specialists is crucial in the treatment of the disorder. During the treatment process, consultations with the family and the patient may be conducted. Additionally, medications aimed at controlling symptoms are an important part of the treatment.
