Traditional psychiatry utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM V-TR being the most current version) to identify a mental health disorder or condition based on your presenting symptoms. The DSM is the product of the American Psychiatric Association. Traditional psychiatry tends to be very biologically oriented, focusing heavily on psychopharmacologic agents like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and other medications.

These medications do not treat mental health conditions, they merely suppress the symptoms of them. They are not always effective in achieving that goal, can cause intolerable side-effects and can be associated with withdrawal if abruptly discontinued.

Having said this, it is important to note that for many people, these medications can be life-saving, they work well and have few if any adverse effects. Consider the following analogy: When a building is on fire, does the fire department send in an investigator to determine the cause before the fire is put out? Of course not!

Traditional psychiatry can work as a firefighter, alleviating the immediate danger until the investigative unit can perform its function of determing the cause of the fire.

Conditions typically treated using traditional psychiatry include major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, ASD as well as others. I am contracted with several insurance companies and treat many individuals with these conditions.