The psychiatrist's choice of a particular treatment is based on its proven effectiveness in treating the symptom or illness. Psychiatric treatments are tested and researched in the same rigorous way that other medical treatments are scrutinized. Treatment methods can be physical, psychological, or involve medication. However, most treatment regimens are a combination of these approaches. Medical psychotherapy is an important method of treatment in which the psychiatrist and patient discuss problems during regularly scheduled sessions. The psychiatrist assists the patient to understand the basis of his or her problems and works with the patient to find a solution. Depending upon the extent of the problem, such treatment may consist of a few sessions over several weeks or many sessions over a longer period of time. | Psychotherapy, which means talking treatment, may be conducted with an individual patient, a group of patients, or a family and may be aimed at behavioral change or the gaining of emotional understanding. Today, numerous medications are being prescribed for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Such medications can now effectively remove symptoms and alter the course of illnesses. In some instances, medications can be life saving, for example, in a case of severe depressive illness. Psychiatrists are highly experienced in prescribing and monitoring these medications. |