A local psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. A local psychiatrist may work in a private practice, an institution or a hospital. The main difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that a local psychiatrist can prescribe medication. A local psychiatrist may use a variety of treatments, such as medication, psychotherapy, medications and psychosocial interventions. Managing a health condition such as back and sciatic pain, knee replacement or arthritis can be stressful and lead to mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Patients who are seeing a local physiotherapist for an acute or chronic health condition may benefit from working with a local psychiatrist. 

Addiction may involve the use of alcohol, drugs, nicotine or gambling. People who struggle with addiction pursue the behaviour despite the consequences, in order to experience the high or euphoria it brings them .Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes people to have difficulty focusing or sitting still. Commonly diagnosed in children and teens, it also involves impulsive behaviour and hyperactivity.                     

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with the people around them. It typically causes three main symptoms: problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, impaired social interaction and unusual or severely limited activities and interests. Research shows that nearly half of all autistic people have epilepsy. People with epilepsy are also more likely than others to have autism. One theory why there is a connection between autisma and epilepsy is that both share common biological mechanisms.

Asperger syndrome is a type of autism spectrum disorder that physicians often call "high-functioning ASD." The symptoms are less severe than other types of autism spectrum disorders. People with Asperger syndrome typically have trouble with social skills and non-verbal communication.

There are many different mental health problems that can affect people of all ages. Unlike many physical diseases, mental health diseases can be difficult to diagnose.

Common Mental Health Problems

• Addiction may involve the use of alcohol, drugs, nicotine or gambling. People who struggle with addiction pursue the behaviour despite the consequences, in order to experience the high or euphoria it brings them.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes people to have difficulty focusing or sitting still. Commonly diagnosed in children and teens, it also involves impulsive behaviour and hyperactivity.

• Anxiety disorder causes people to intermittently feel nervous, have a sense of impending doom or danger, sweat, hyperventilate or experience an elevated heart rate. Many people with anxiety disorder have panic attacks.

• Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, causes a periodic cycling of manic (heightened emotions and extreme activity) and depressive phases (sadness and lethargy).

• Depression refers to a number of conditions that negatively affect how you think, feel and act. Many people with depression lose interest in activities and withdraw from others.

• Eating disorders are defined by abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person's health, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and rumination disorder.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and chronic disorder that leads to uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and behaviours. People with OCD feel an overwhelming urge to repeat these obsessions and compulsions.

• Schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, but it can be chronic and severe. People with schizophrenia often have difficulty understanding reality, and may believe in conspiracies and/or be paranoid.

Your primary care provider is a good place to start if you or someone you love is dealing with mental health issues. He or she will be able to refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor. Pour plus d'informations et les services locaux des psychiatres ou psychologues locaux ou des conseillers locaux à Montréal et à Québec PQ, contactez votre psychiatre local