Introduction

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the mind. Mental illness actually encompasses numerous psychiatric disorders that affect or is manifested in a person's brain. It may impact on the way a person thinks, behaves and interacts with other people.

It is a myth that mental illness is a weakness or defect in character and that sufferers do not need to see a medical doctor. Just like heart disease and cancer, these disorders require and respond well to treatment. While some disorders are the result of changes in the brain chemistry of the person, others are caused by environmental stresses.

Also psychiatric symptoms can be secondary to physical disorders, for example, a person who is suffering from hardening of the arteries in the brain - which reduces the flow of blood and thus oxygen in the brain - may experience "mental" symptoms as confusion and forgetfulness.

In the past 20 years especially, psychiatric research has made great strides in the precise diagnosis and successful treatment of most disorders. Today most people who suffer from a mental illness - including those that can be extremely debilitating, such as schizophrenia - can be treated effectively and lead full lives.

If you have any questions regarding our practice our contact details may be found by following the contacts link or call Sandy Farmer (Practice Manager) on 01732 763491