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In Atlanta and the surrounding area there are thousands of mental health professionals available to provide treatment for ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, narcotic addiction, anxiety, panic attacks, alcohol and nicotine withdrawal. The American Psychiatric Association reports that people often decide which specialist to call based on a referral from your primary physician, family friend, crisis center, or by picking the advertisement that “looks the best” in the telephone book.

Many Reasons Affect Selection Process of Mental Health Providers

Individuals have certain needs that come into play when looking for a mental health professional. Accessibility is often a reason to choose one specialist over another. An office close to a patient’s home or work may allow convenience to take precedence over quality of service. In addition, the time available to schedule an appointment that does not interfere with work, family, or child care issues is a major concern of patients. Some psychiatrists even offer online video follow-up sessions for some types of treatment after an initial in-office appointment so patients don’t have to drive to the office every time.

Finding the Best Mental Health Professional to Meet Your Needs

When facing mental health issues on your own or with the support of family and friends, choosing the proper specialist makes a difference in the effectiveness and success of your treatment program. While developing a trusting relationship with your mental health provider is important, selecting an experienced professional with a long track record of success also makes a significant difference in relapse rates and in the ability to finally live a fully functional life.

CBT and Medication Management Has Highest Rate of Treatment Success

Choosing a mental health specialist that promotes both cognitive behavioral counseling and medication management is the most desirable. Treating the whole person with psychological issues has the highest rate of treatment success.

Psychiatrists Treat Both Mental and Physical Aspects of Psychological Issues

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health illness or disease, substance abuse, addiction and recovery. Atlanta psychiatrist Dr. Hege designs an individualized treatment program to provide relief of symptoms, anxieties and fears right away. Withdrawal symptoms are carefully planned for and managed. Medication adjustments are made as you progress through the treatment program.

Dr. Darvin Hege, a highly regarded Atlanta psychiatrist, believes in treating the whole person. Dr. Hege may refer you for adjunct therapeutic sessions such as cognitive behavioral treatment and EEG biofeedback. Dr. Hege may also recommend family/couples therapy or participation in the Evening Recovery Program as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.

Atlanta Evening and Weekend Psychiatrist

Atlanta psychiatrist Dr. Hege specializes in adult ADHD, addiction, anxiety and bipolar disorders, substance abuse and depression with over 25 years of successful intervention and medication management. The doctor is conveniently located in Atlanta and offers both evening and weekend appointments.

For a confidential and private initial appointment, call Atlanta psychiatrist Dr. Hege.

With the world’s seemingly unending stressful events, such as money issues, family problems, random violence in the news, many people can develop a mental health issue. Whether or not the problem is short-lived or becomes chronic, both respond to psychiatric medications that when properly managed lead to the successful treatment of life-disrupting mental illness.

Psychiatric Medications Critical Part of Treatment Plan

Psychiatric medications are often a critical element in the development of a successful mental health treatment plan. The National Institute of Mental Health separates psychiatric medications into six main groups which include medications used to treat ADHD, anxiety disorders, clinical depression, bi-polar disorder, mood disorders, or medications used as a sedative. A qualified psychiatrist carefully diagnoses and prescribes after a thorough evaluation and history taking.

Top Five Psychiatric Medications Prescribed

Psych Central reports that the top ranking medication from 2005 forward to today is Xanax / alprazolam used for anxiety, with almost 48 million U.S. prescriptions written on an annual basis. The other four psychiatric medications range from almost 24 million U.S. prescriptions a year to well over 37 million.

The 2nd ranked medication includes Zoloft/sertraline for anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and depression; 3rd, the drug Ativan for panic disorder and anxiety; 4th, Prozac/fluoxetine for anxiety and depression; and 5th, Celexa/citalopram for anxiety and depression. The variety of psychiatric medications used for ADHD rank all the way from 15th to 25th with yearly U.S. prescriptions totaling up to more than 35 million a year.

Common Psychiatric Medication Side-Effects

Psychiatric medication side effects vary from one person to the next. There are numerous factors that change how your body will react to any one or a combination of medications. The four main psychiatric medication side effects are:

• Weight gain
• Sexual issues or dysfunction
• Restlessness, hyperactivity, irritability or agitation
• Tiredness, drowsiness, memory deficits or clouded thinking

Other significant side effects which may require more immediate psychiatrist medication adjustment and management include:

• Diarrhea or GI upset such as nausea and vomiting
• Impaired coordination and control of body’s extremities
• Insomnia
• Blurred vision
• Cardio-pulmonary issues
• Drop in blood pressure with feelings of dizziness or syncope
• Black outs or feeling like you are in a trance or stupor
• Becoming despondent or having feelings of great sadness and despair
• Any change in your emotional or physical state that may be due to psychiatric medication side effect which is causing you emotional stress.

Atlanta Psychiatrist, Expert in Managing Medication Side Effects

If you are currently taking psychiatric medications and are experiencing side effects that have negatively impacted family, social relationships or work related interactions, it is time for a change – call Atlanta’s expert in managing and adjusting psychiatric medications.

Dr. Darvin Hege, M.D. Atlanta’s psychiatric medication side-effects doctor is ready to help you make the change for the better – call to set up an appointment today.