Myths About Psychiatry

by | Mar 20, 2019 | Health

Psychiatry is a field that is focused on helping people manage various mental health disorders. Psychiatry in Gulf Shores AL has helped many people get their mental health in order. However, one of the reasons that people do not get the help that they need is because they believe the myths about psychiatry.

Myth: Everyone Who Sees a Psychiatrist is Insane

Fact: Psychiatric help is not just for insane people. It is for anyone who has a behavioral or emotional problem. Psychiatry can also prevent these problems from occurring in the first place.

Myth: Genetics is the Main Cause of Mental Illness

Fact: There is a genetic component of mental illness. People who have a family history of mental illness are more likely to develop it themselves. However, there are many other factors that play a role in mental illness. Life experiences can make a person more susceptible to developing a mental illness.

For example, studies have shown that children who are a victim of sexual abuse are 15 times more likely to develop schizophrenia.

Myth: Once You get on Psychiatric Medication, You Will Not Get Off of It

Fact: Many people have this idea that psychiatrists want to get people on medication and keep them on it for the rest of their lives. However, psychiatric medications are typically prescribed for a short period of time. Most chronic health conditions do not require lifelong treatment. Mental illness is the same way.

Myth: Treating Mental Illness Will Prevent Crime

Fact: Every time that a crime is committed, people question whether the person was mentally ill. It is important to treat mental illness, but it will not necessarily make the crime rate go down. In fact, mental illness only plays a role in about 0.07 percent of crimes.

If you need psychiatry in Gulf Shores AL, then you will need to contact Southern Psychiatry.

Latest Articles

Categories

Archives