Saint Sophie’s provides psychiatric diagnosis and medication management for adults and children across North Dakota and Minnesota. This page explains how a diagnosis is reached, how medication is chosen and adjusted, and what to tell your clinician along the way.
Obtaining a Psychiatric Diagnosis
During your appointment with one of Saint Sophie’s clinicians, you will be given a diagnosis. This diagnosis will be based on a combination of factors, including:
- Your past history
- Any symptoms you may be currently experiencing
- A physical examination by your clinician
The criteria for these diagnoses are found in the DSM-V.
Note that psychiatric conditions can be complicated, and each patient is unique, so it can take several visits to establish an accurate diagnosis.
It’s also essential to understand that a diagnosis can evolve.
Psychiatric Medication Management
A significant aspect of the treatment process for mental health disorders at any psychiatric facility will be medication. For some individuals, the use of medication can be a cause for concern, especially if they are unsure how they will react to specific psychotropic medicines. Many individuals may be hesitant to take any medication because they fear the potential side effects.
While some individuals can experience side effects, psychotropic medications can be a lifesaver for many struggling with mental health illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder. Medicines help treat the symptoms of mental health disorders, making it easier for individuals to focus on the therapeutic aspects of treatment.
Based on your diagnosis or diagnoses, your clinician will determine the best course of treatment. There are several modalities of treatment, including behavioral therapy and medical therapy. Practical, modern pharmacotherapy has been around since 1950 with remarkable success. These medications continue to improve the lives of tens of millions of people in the United States alone.
Several classes of medications are available to treat each illness and can be tailored to each individual to optimize outcome while minimizing side effects. These medications may be adjusted or changed throughout your clinical treatment, and it may take several months and multiple visits to be on a stable medical regimen. The National Institute of Mental Health has compiled an overview of different medications for psychiatric conditions.
Psychiatric Medication Side Effects
To receive the best care possible, you should inform your clinician honestly about:
- Symptoms you have before and after treatment
- Possible side effects you may be experiencing
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are taking
While most medications are relatively safe, potentially life-threatening complications may happen when the medications are taken incorrectly. Your clinician will evaluate the risks for each prescription to ensure you are as safe as possible. If there is a risk for any potentially serious complications, your clinician will outline these to you. Ensure that if you experience any of these issues, you contact your clinician immediately to ensure your safety.
Some medications can have severe consequences if stopped abruptly. Please continue to take your medications only as instructed and do not stop or adjust your dosage without consulting with your clinician.
If you are having difficulties remembering to take your medications correctly or affording your medications, please let your clinician know. There are many resources to help patients in these areas.