Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. These include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance-related disorders and personality disorders.
Psychiatric disorder is a condition that causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, early childhood experiences, trauma, stress and substance abuse.
Most psychiatric disorders are treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medications are used to correct imbalances in brain chemistry that may be involved in the development or maintenance of the disorder. Psychotherapy helps patients understand and work through their problems. It can be conducted individually or in groups and can take many different forms.
Mental illness is common, affecting about one in four adults in any given year. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing serious consequences such as suicide, job loss, homelessness and family dysfunction.