Psychiatry: Difference between revisions
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===[[Sectioning & The Mental Health Act]]=== | ===[[Sectioning & The Mental Health Act]]=== | ||
When a patient need assessment or treatment for a psychiatric condition, sometimes it is necessary to [[Mental Health Act|section them under the Mental Health Act]]. It is important to assess, with any psychiatric patient, their [[suicide risk|risk to themselves]], and to others. | When a patient need assessment or treatment for a psychiatric condition, sometimes it is necessary to [[Sectioning & The Mental Health Act|section them under the Mental Health Act]]. It is important to assess, with any psychiatric patient, their [[suicide risk|risk to themselves]], and to others. | ||
===Psychiatric Management=== | ===Psychiatric Management=== | ||
Revision as of 16:32, 4 June 2008
Psychiatry is the management of conditions affecting mental health. It is important to understand that mental health must be assessed in the context of social norms and whether the perceived 'problem' is not just a part of somebody's personality. Intervention is only necessary when normal social function is being negatively affected.
Assessment of mental health should be through three techniques: Psychiatric History, Mental State Examination and Cognitive State Examination.
Neurosis, Psychosis and Dementia
The three key topics of psychiatry can be separated into neuroses, psychoses and dementia.
Neuroses
Psychoses
Dementia
Other Psychiatric Disorders
Psychiatry affects people in all ages and walks of life. Commonly problems can occur in old age. pregnancy, childhood and amongst those abusing alcohol and other substances.
Many disorders can affect people's lives to a large extent. Those with personality disorders may suffer from many mental conditions throughout their lives. Also important to understand are:
Sectioning & The Mental Health Act
When a patient need assessment or treatment for a psychiatric condition, sometimes it is necessary to section them under the Mental Health Act. It is important to assess, with any psychiatric patient, their risk to themselves, and to others.
Psychiatric Management
Broadly speaking, management in psychiatry can be split into two sections:
There are other forms of psychiatric intervention which don't fit into these categories. Most are rarely used but ECT is important to know about.