What will I gain from the first consultation? What can I expect?
The first consultation gives the opportunity to estimate the condition of the patient, to plan treatment strategies, prescribe medication and give psychological recommendations.
Does consulting a psychiatrist or starting psychiatric treatment mean that the psychological problem is grave?
Of course, not! Because of the stigma in psychiatry people are often reluctant to seek psychiatrists’ help. Psychic/psychological problems, just like other health (somatic) conditions, need treatment. Also it should be mentioned that they are quite common due to the modern way of life being highly stressful and thus having such kind of problem does not mean being “weak” or having a “flaw”, as our “defensive resources”, just as everything else, also have limits.
Do we have to go to a psychiatrist only in case when the mental condition is extremely severe
It is a psychiatrist’s competence to treat any kind of psychological/psychiatric problem: neurosis, anxiety, phobias, depression, personality and eating (anorexia, bulimia) disorders, and, of course, more serious disorders like psychosis and other severe mental illnesses.
What is Depression?
Depression is a psychic status characterized by persistent sadness, loss of hope, negative assessment of the past, low self-esteem, deteriorated memory and attention span, reduced work capability and sleep disorders.
What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
A psychiatrist is a doctor with medical education, whose main instrument is treatment with medication. A psychologist is a person with specialized psychological knowledge. A psychotherapist is a psychologist with special qualification in psychotherapy, which involves theoretical knowledge and practical experience as well. A psychotherapist treats through different types of psychotherapeutic methods.
Does treatment using medicine make the patient addicted to it?
Some groups of medication used in treating psychic problems, if consumed in a wrong way, may cause addiction. Medication should only be used when necessary and for a limited time. This practically removes the possibility of getting addicted to them. The majority of the medication used in psychic health treatment does not cause addiction.
Which methods of psychotherapy do you use?
For treatment, we use the latest and most efficient psychotherapeutic methods, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential (humanistic) therapy
- EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), which was introduced to Georgia 2 years ago with the help of Dutch specialists
- Art Therapy (mandala therapy, drawing therapy, metaphorical imagery, sand therapy)
Can neurosis or depression be cured?
Yes, they both can be cured, even when an individual suffering from either of these illnesses has been procrastinating psychiatric treatment for a long time. In absolute majority of cases treatment is effective and, as a rule, for increasing effectiveness complex treatment is needed.
How long do the psychotherapeutic sessions last?
Each session with 1 individual lasts for an hour. A group session or a session of art therapy lasts for 1.5-2 hours.
Can neurosis become psychosis?
There is a great difference between neurosis and psychosis, a neurotic disorder can never become a psychotic one.
How many sessions can psychotherapeutic treatment last?
It depends on the method used and on the type of a problem, many different factors have to be considered here. Generally, cognitive behavioral therapy takes around 6-12 days, art therapy takes around 8-16 and EMDR takes 4-6 sessions.