Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine

Mental Illness & Health care

Mental illness includes a broad range of health problems. For most people, mental illness is thought of as an illness associated with severe behavioural disturbances such as violence, agitation and being sexually inappropriate. Such disturbances are usually associated with severe mental disorders. However, the vast majority of those with a mental illness behaves and looks no different from anyone else. These common mental health problems include depression, anxiety, sexual problems and addiction. There have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the causes and treatment of mental illnesses. Most of these treatments can be provided effectively. Mental health (psychiatric or psychologic) disorders involve disturbances in thinking, emotion, and behaviour. Small disturbances in these aspects of life are common, but when such disturbances distress the person greatly and/or interfere with daily life, they are considered mental illness or a mental health disorder. The effects of mental illness may be long-lasting or temporary. These disorders are caused by complex interactions between physical, psychological, social, cultural, and hereditary influences. Psychiatric medications are most often prescribed by primary care physician. However the best and most effective treatment for a mental health concern is from a mental health professional a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker or psychotherapist. For many patients, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is usually the proven, most effective method of treatment