There is no definite way of treating mental illness. Every patient has their own method that works for them. This is because mental illnesses vary from person to person; even for those that have been diagnosed with the same mental disorder.
Below is a list of possible mental health treatments.
- Psychiatric hospitalization
Psychiatric hospitalization is basically stabilizing the patient, monitoring them closely and offering medication. Fluid and nutrition are also administered. Hospitalization is either voluntary or involuntary. This normally occurs when it is determined that the patient is gravely disabled or a danger to them or others.
Below are some of the signs exhibited by patients who need to undergo psychiatric hospitalization.
- Severe mental disability symptoms
- Suicidal and homicidal tendencies
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Not eaten or slept in a few days
- Cannot take care of themselves anymore
- Outpatient treatment
With outpatient treatment, patients are required to visit a mental illness treatment centre a few days of the week. Relevant doctors and psychiatrists assess if there are any slight improvements.
Outpatient treatment is recommended for patients that have mild to moderate mental illness symptoms, can function well outside the confines of the hospital and have a good support system at home.
- Inpatient treatment
Also referred to as residential Mental health speakers treatment, inpatient treatment takes place within the confines of a mental health facility. This is the best treatment that is suited for patients that need constant medical supervision. Persons with have had the condition for a long time and have not shown any significant improvements after outpatient treatment are also taken for inpatient treatment.
- Dual diagnosis treatment
The above treatment offers comprehensive services for people that are mentally ill and also suffer from substance abuse or addiction.
Both disorders have to be treated simultaneously so as to significantly raise the chances of a successful recovery. Doctors treat the underlying disorder or trauma first so as to prevent a possible relapse. This will also ensure that they maintain sobriety in the long run.
- Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy has been known to successfully cure many mental disorders. It is used in both the inpatient and outpatient treatment setting.
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy allows many disturbed patients to better express their feelings and emotions verbally. This helps the patients process their feelings and know how to better cope with them.
Some of the different forms of psychotherapy include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
All in all, the above are the most effective ways to treat mental illnesses. Medication is also given together with the above treatment methods in order to achieve full recovery. If you have a mentally ill loved one, do not allow the stigma surrounding mental disorder hold you back. Take them to a mental illness centre and have doctors advise you on the best way to treat it.