Mental Health Services Specialist

What are common mental health issues?

Nearly 1 in 5 adults experiences issues with their mental health over a lifetime. One of the most common conditions is anxiety, which causes persistent feelings of worry or negative thoughts for no specific reason.

Other common mental health disorders include:

• Phobias
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  
  

Many other types of mental health disorders can affect your health. If left undiagnosed and untreated, symptoms of a mental health disorder can become more serious and lead to additional health complications, struggles with alcohol or drug abuse, and self-harm or suicide.

What can I expect during a mental health evaluation?

During your initial visit, you can expect to discuss your current symptoms, health concerns, and your personal and family medical history. Your Pinnacle Care Internal Medicine physician can evaluate this information to determine if your symptoms relate to your mental health or an underlying health condition.

To further explore your overall health, your physician can perform a physical exam and review any medications you currently take. They may request a blood test to check for thyroid disorders or a hormone imbalance, which can produce side effects like depression and anxiety.

What treatments are available for mental health issues?

Your treatment plan for mental health issues depends on the cause and severity of your condition. In many cases, the Pinnacle Care Internal Medicine team will refer you to talk or behavior therapy with a skilled professional.

In some cases, therapy in combination with medications can work best for alleviating existing symptoms and helping you cope with your condition.

Your Pinnacle Care Internal Medicine physician carefully monitors your progress to ensure your condition is well-controlled and treatment is working effectively. In many cases, medications for mental health issues need adjustment over time to remain effective.

The goal of treatment is to keep you actively engaged in your day-to-day routine and improve your overall quality of life.

There’s help available if you struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Call to schedule a confidential appointment or use the convenient online booking feature today.