Psychiatry

Millions of people in the UK live with a mental illness and the symptoms that come with it. According to the mental health charity Mind, one in four people in the UK will experience some kind of mental health problem every year. One in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem, like anxiety or depression, every week.

Though closely related to psychology, psychiatry differs because of its focus on medicine as a treatment for mental health conditions. Both specialisms treat many of the same issues, but will approach it in different ways. Specialists who practice psychiatry are trained medical doctors with a deep knowledge and understanding of physiology and the biological elements of mental health as well as the psychological elements. They understand how physiological factors can impact our mental function, and vice versa.

Psychiatrists look to diagnose specific mental health disorders and develop treatment plans based around medications. Nonetheless, many consultant psychiatrists are also experienced psychologists and the two disciplines can be used in complementary ways. Psychiatrists will often prescribe medication alongside other forms of treatment, such as counselling.

There are several reasons why you might seek the support of a psychiatrist. In general, a psychiatrist focuses on diagnosis of mental illnesses and the symptoms they cause, helping you to understand what you are going through and find ways to manage, reduce or even remove the negative effects it’s having on your life.

Mental illness can cause a wide range of symptoms and it’s important to diagnose them as quickly as possible to establish what type of mental illness you are living with, so that it can be treated accordingly. Common symptoms of mental health issues include: 

• Panic attacks
• Reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears
• Extreme feelings of guilt
• Excessive anger
• Extreme mood changes
• Suicidal thinking
• Significantly low energy
• Major changes in eating habits
• Feeling sad or down frequently
• Removal from friends or family
• Inability to cope with day-to-day problems
• Sleeping problems

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Alzheimer's and dementia
• Body dysmorphic disorder (body dysmorphia)
• Borderline personality disorder
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Paranoia
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Stress

Whatever problems you are living with, an experienced psychiatrist can help you to find the right treatment for you.

Prescribed medication

There are a wide variety of medications available to treat mental health conditions and the one that's best for you will depend on a variety of factors, including which mental illness you are living with, your age and lifestyle, and how you have reacted to medications in the past. Our consultants prescribe medicine on a case-by-case basis and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Psychotherapy

This is a treatment for mental health issues that involves talking with a trained professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. It's also known as talk therapy, counselling, or simply therapy. Psychotherapy can help you to understand your mental illness and how it affects you, and to identify the links between your thoughts, behaviours, emotions and moods. The aim is to help you take control of your life and develop coping mechanisms for difficult situations.

Talking therapy can be used to treat almost any mental health disorder, and there are a broad range of different types and approaches that can be applied to different individual needs.

Alcohol and drug dependence treatment

If you are using alcohol or drugs in a manner that causes harm to yourself, others in your lives, or the wider community, you may need treatment for dependence. During treatment, you will be put on a medically-managed regime to allow you to withdraw from these substances safely.

Sometimes, this will take place using prescribed medication and over-the-counter medication. Or, you may decide to be admitted to hospital as an inpatient, where you will be cared for by a team of psychiatrists, doctors and nurses. They will ensure that the detoxification planned is both safe and effective.

Dementia treatment

Dementia is the most serious form of memory problem. It causes a loss of mental ability and other symptoms. It can be caused by various disorders which affect the part of your brain involved with thought processes. Most cases are caused by Alzheimer's Disease, vascular dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies.

The most appropriate course of action after memory training, is to refer you on to a Memory Clinic. There, you will have ongoing medical and psychological treatment and support, as it is a long-term degenerative illness.

Sometimes this type of treatment will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your treatment. Your initial consultation and early tests won't be included, but the cost of your course of therapy is, along with any additional treatments you need. There are no hidden costs down the line.

To book your initial consultation, call our dedicated team of advisors, or take advantage of our easy online booking system.

• Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Multidisciplinary teams led by consultants who can easily refer you to other onsite specialists
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about how our psychiatrists can help you, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in May 2023. Next review due May 2026.

1. Psychiatry, NHS
2. Psychiatry, Psychology Today
3. What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?, Select Psychology
4. Psychotherapy, Mayo Clinic