Would you be able to tell if your loved one needed to see a psychiatrist? Signs and symptoms are usually present to signal that something isn’t right but would you be able to recognize them? What kinds of signs or symptoms should you look for if you suspected that something was wrong?
Symptoms vary from illness to illness, but there are general signs to look for when you suspect that something is wrong. It’s important to note, however, that some of these same symptoms have a biological or physical cause and the symptoms might resemble a mental problem.
Depression symptoms:
Sadness
Sense of helplessness and hopelessness
No motivation
No pleasure in former enjoyable activities
Difficulty concentrating
Sleeping disruption
Overwhelmed
Sex drive diminished
The above are classic symptoms of depression. If these symptoms last longer than two weeks, it’s time to see a medical doctor. You should see a medical doctor first because some of these symptoms have an underlying physical cause.
Sleep disruption, for instance, might come from a sleep disorder caused by a biological problem instead of a depression. The symptoms of tiredness and fatigue can resemble depression. Difficulty concentrating could be an onset of dementia.
More signs to look for:
Mood swings can signal mental illness, chronic pain, or bipolar disorder
Drastic changes in personality a red flag that something has changed
Loss of appetite can be eating disorders or depression
Self harm cutting oneself or pulling out hair
Persistent anger and hostility inner turmoil is evident
All suicide threats or wishes should be taken seriously and help should be sought immediately. Some types of medication can bring these thoughts to surface.
Some psychiatric medicine is especially dangerous to youth, especially at the beginning of treatment. The medication and child need to be monitored and he should be listened to carefully, if he shows signs of difficulty functioning in daily routine.
Today, psychiatrists do very little psychotherapy except in hospitals and clinic settings, so chances are if your loved one truly needs to see a psychiatrist, it will be for evaluation and medication only. If therapy is needed, a clinical psychologist will probably provide that service.
If you listen to your loved one, they’ll give you clues, and if you observe their behavior, you’ll see signs that you can identify as possible mental health problems.
It’s a natural thing to grieve when we have loss in our lives. When the symptoms go beyond two weeks time, its time to call for professional health care.
http://mayoclinic.com
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