|
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 applied on the basis of a person’s unique and individual requirements. Because a myriad
of psychological and psychiatric treatment possibilities exist, the selection of the most effective and suitable psychiatric
treatment should be based upon a diagnosis arrived at via thorough careful 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 from development, 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, problems in succeeding, inhibitions, or difficulties in 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 are having problems 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 being unable to achieve the degree of success or satisfaction in relationships or in life
goals. They have had difficulty making their 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 more appropriate
positions. Or a man may become aware that he falls in love only with women who are unavailable. These types of
issues, when clearly defined, benefit from psychodynamic treatment.
|
|
|
|
|
