The most critical question in psychiatry

The most critical question in psychiatry

Many people routinely battle with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and compulsive behavior. However, simply because someone has symptoms does not mean they have a disorder. Not everyone who experiences anxiety will qualify for a diagnosis of “panic disorder” and not everyone who is a stickler for “orderliness” can be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Psychiatry has a formal and rigorous process for identifying and diagnosing all mental health conditions. For each of the more than 300 recognized disorders a certain set of strict criteria must be met.

However, there is a way for the “nonprofessional” to get an idea if his or her symptoms rise to the level of a genuine disorder as opposed to a passing phase. Moreover, it can be done with any type of mental health or behavioral problem by simply asking one question, “Does it get in the way?”

·         Does your anxiety get in the way?

·         Does your drinking get in the way?

·         Does your depression get in the way?

·         Do your rituals such as cleaning and counting get in the way?

·         Do your eating and dieting habits get in the way?

Of course the next question that will be asked is, “Get in the way of what?” The answer or course is the following:

1.       Does your behavior get in the way of occupation/job?

2.       Does it get in the way of your education?

3.       Does it get in the way of your relationships (with friend, family, spouse, etc)?

4.       Does it get in the way of your social obligations?

5.       Does it get in the way of the law?

In addition, the more of these questions one can answer “yes” to the more potentially serious is the disorder.

Of course if treatment is needed, and in most cases it will be, a visit to a qualified mental health practitioner will be necessary in order to make a professional diagnosis.

  

Credit : Dr. Mohamed Rela (Liver Transplant Specialist- 33 Years of Experience)