What a psychiatric consultation is for
Psychiatric symptoms can affect mood, thinking, sleep, behaviour, relationships, studies, work and everyday functioning. Assessment may consider how symptoms started, how they have changed, relevant medical factors, medicines, substance use and the person's environment.
Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy or structured psychological interventions, behavioural strategies, family involvement, lifestyle measures, or a combination. The appropriate plan depends on the person's presentation and goals.
Common reasons people seek help
People may seek a consultation for persistent low mood, excessive worry, panic symptoms, repetitive thoughts or behaviours, changes in sleep, mood swings, unusual experiences, concentration difficulties, irritability, functional decline or distress that has become difficult to manage alone.