PSYCHIATRY

Psychiatry is a specialized field that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, focusing on human psychology.

Some of the main diseases diagnosed and treated in psychiatric clinics include:

Depression

Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by disturbances in thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It is a highly prevalent condition that affects individuals on a continuous basis.

Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic-depressive illness or bipolar affective disorder, bipolar disorder causes sharp fluctuations in mood and significantly impacts a person’s life. During the manic phase, the individual displays excessive excitement and energy, while during the depressive phase, they experience a state of profound sadness or depression. Outside of these episodes, the person’s mood is completely normal, without any signs of mania or depression.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by a detachment from reality, thought disorders, and changes in emotions and behaviors. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, thought disturbances, and a decline in emotional functioning. Treatment often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

These are some of the major illnesses diagnosed and treated in psychiatry clinics. Psychiatrists are trained to assess and diagnose various mental disorders and develop personalized treatment plans for their patients. The aim is to alleviate symptoms, improve overall mental well-being, and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by the individual’s focus on distressing thoughts called obsessions, which leads to the development of repetitive behaviors known as compulsions in an attempt to alleviate the distress. OCD can result from overactivity in certain parts of the brain or can be triggered by a traumatic event in the person’s past that caused significant distress.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders, also known as “anxiety” or “panic” disorders, refer to a group of conditions characterized by excessive and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety. While anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by everyone in situations that require immediate decision-making or in the face of perceived danger, anxiety disorders involve persistent anxiety that may occur even in non-threatening situations. Individuals with anxiety disorders often struggle to carry out their daily lives, and their relationships with others can be significantly affected.

Anxiety disorders include conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. These disorders can cause significant distress and impairment in various areas of life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being.

Treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication. The goal is to reduce symptoms, manage anxiety effectively, and improve the individual’s quality of life. It is important for individuals experiencing these disorders to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychological disorder that is commonly observed in childhood and is characterized by excessive restlessness and attention difficulties. Although it may not be given much importance in daily life, it can have a significant negative impact on a person’s life and put the future of children in their learning age at risk. While the symptoms may decrease as individuals grow older, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent negative effects on a child’s education and learning.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse refers to the use of drugs that can impair the normal functioning of the body. Individuals with substance abuse disorders continue to use drugs despite knowing and experiencing the harm caused to their bodies. Over time, this can lead to increased usage and dosage of the harmful substance. Treatment for substance abuse is conducted in hospitals, and the duration of treatment varies between 2 to 6 weeks depending on the level of addiction.

Social Phobia

Social phobia, an anxiety disorder, is characterized by an avoidance of social situations due to the fear of being judged or disliked by others. Individuals with social phobia experience significant fear when speaking in public, eating in front of others, or engaging in one-on-one conversations, believing that they will be negatively judged as incompetent, foolish, or unattractive. Social phobia can greatly impact daily functioning and interpersonal relationships.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to the experience of symptoms such as insomnia, intrusive memories, easily being startled, nightmares, and a sense of hopelessness following a traumatic event, such as natural disasters, accidents, abuse, torture, or assault. In some cases, depression and anxiety disorders can coexist with PTSD.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, can develop in individuals due to a decrease in body image and self-esteem. Anorexia nervosa involves behaviors such as severely restricting caloric intake, engaging in excessive and intense exercise, and using laxatives for weight loss, all driven by a desire to achieve an extremely thin body. Bulimia nervosa, on the other hand, involves binge-eating episodes followed by feelings of guilt and intentional purging through vomiting. Similar to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa also involves behaviors like the use of laxatives, excessive exercise, and fasting, but individuals with bulimia nervosa are typically of normal or slightly overweight.

Sleep Disorders

Disruptions in sleep patterns not only lead to insomnia and fatigue but also increase the risk of various health problems. Sleep disorders, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up tired even after sufficient sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and experiencing nightmares or sleepwalking, require psychiatric treatment in individuals without any physiological health conditions.