Psychiatry
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.
Symptoms in psychiatry are not as obvious as those such as chest pain or breathlessness. As such it is important to be familiar with phenomenology in psychiatry.
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.