|
Contemporary psychiatry has developed powerful
tools for treating many forms of mental suffering, and these tools (including medication and various forms of psychotherapy)
are most effective when based upon a person’s unique and individual requirements. Because a myriad of psychological
and psychiatric treatment possibilities exist, selection of the most effective and suitable psychiatric treatment should be
based upon a diagnosis carefully arrived at via thorough evaluation (taking into consideration both biological and psychological
factors).
Psychiatric evaluation consists of getting to know a person and his/her difficulties during several sessions:
the stresses, family situation, genetics, childhood influences, psychobiology, etc. must all be taken into account.
This necessarily involves appreciation of the complexity manifest in mental functioning. Consequently an appropriate psychotherapy
and/or medication strategy is recommended. Dr. Suskind uses a similar approach to evaluate and treat couples.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Most of my patients come for consultation because of problems with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, intimacy,
problems in succeeding, inhibitions, or difficulties making certain life transitions (e.g. school, career, family, mid-life,
retirement, bereavement). Some people have been told their problems are psychosomatic, or that they experience difficulty
adjusting to a physical illness (e.g. recovering from a heart attack, dealing with a cancer diagnosis, post-traumatic sequelae
from an injury). Some are experiencing marital-couple distress. Others complain of feeling unable to achieve the
degree of success or satisfaction in their relationships or life goals. Has there been a pattern in making the best
life choices? Others recognize a recurring pattern of problematic behaviors and reactions.
For example, a woman may become aware that although she is working at a job below her capacities,
she always seems to find reasons to refuse or undermine more appropriate positions. Or a man may become aware that he
falls in love only with women who are unavailable or inappropriate. These types of issues, when clearly defined, benefit
from psychodynamic treatment.
|
|
|
|
|
