- Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
- Psychiatry Medications Management
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- ADHD
- Group Therapy
- Child Psychiatry
- Counseling
- CBT Therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Individual
- Family
- Grief
Psychiatry Evaluation and Treatment
During a psychiatric evaluation, you may be asked a wide range of questions so that your doctor can begin to understand how your past and present are affecting your current behaviors and state of mind. Both physical and psychiatric symptoms will be discussed so that your doctor can assess their effects on things such as work, school, relationships, and family. Your personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, and developmental disorders may be discussed, as well.
Psychiatrists are specially trained in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral disorders through the use of medication. If your doctor feels that a particular drug may help you, he or she will prescribe something after they’ve had an opportunity to understand all the facets of your specific medical condition.
Psychiatry Medications Management
Perhaps it’s a medication that was prescribed to you by a previous doctor, or a new medication prescribed by a doctor here at Guiding Light Health Care Services, LLC. Whatever the case may be, we will gladly discuss your current medications and any medications you’ve previously taken. This information will aid your doctor in offering the best possible solution for your medical condition.
Your input is an essential part of this process. We value your thoughts and feelings regarding taking medication and the impact it will have on your life and activities. Your doctor will discuss any new prescriptions or adjustments so that you understand precisely what the medicine is for and what side effects you may experience. Our ultimate goal is to help you feel your best self, and you help us achieve this when you take an active role in your treatment.
Depression
Over 300 million people are affected annually by depression, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. At Guiding Light Health Care Services, LLC, we are committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to those who struggle with depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that can affect the entire body, including the brain. It can negatively alter the way you think, behave, and feel. It may be defined as persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and unrest that last longer than a few weeks.
Symptoms
Anyone can feel sad or even depressed at times. However, depression is a more intense feeling compared to the normal feelings of sadness. Depression is a mental illness that has a wide range of symptoms which can make it difficult to manage and maintain a good quality of life. They can impact a person’s ability to function, maintain relationships, keep commitments, or complete tasks.
Symptoms vary from person to person and appear during the night and day. Common symptoms or signs of depression include:
- A feeling of ongoing sadness, anxiety, or “emptiness”
- Aches or body pain such as migraines, cramps, or digestive problems
- Changes in appetite
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling inadequate
- Inability to make decisions
- Loss of interest
- Low self-esteem
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Treatment
Often depression cannot be managed or treated alone. If you or a loved one has begun to show signs or symptoms of depression, seek help.
Fortunately, depression can be treated, and you can find relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.
At Guiding Light Health Care Services, LLC, we offer individual and group therapies, behavioral therapy, medication, consultation services, and will work with you to customize a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Treatment can vary from therapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, prescription medication.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders impact over 40 million people every year within the U.S. Though everyone may experience anxiety from time to time, anxiety disorders cause persistent stress or unease about even daily situations such as socializing with others, driving, or work. Left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact ones’ quality of life and ability to participate in activities that they used to enjoy.
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by strong feelings of tension, worry, physical changes such as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with anxiety disorders have constant intrusive thoughts or concerns.
Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms from general anxiety to more specific conditions such as social anxiety or panic disorders. Anxiety develops from several compounding factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Many patients who are diagnosed with anxiety may also have co-occurring illnesses such as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Nervousness, restlessness, and feeling like you cannot relax
- Feelings of danger, panic, and dread
- Rapid heart rate and breathing or hyperventilation
- Increased or heavy sweating
- Muscle twitching or trembling
- Weakness or lethargy
- Difficulty focusing
- Insomnia
- Digestive problems
- Avoidant behavior
- Obsessions about certain ideas
Treatment
At Guiding Light Health Care Services, LLC, we tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of the patient. We will carefully go over any symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, and any other relevant factors such as life events and behaviors.
Common treatments for anxiety include individual or group therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or electroconvulsive therapy.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings with significant emotional highs and lows. Both ends of the spectrum cause severe symptoms that can be difficult to manage.
It is a chronic mental health condition that does not have a cure, but the management of symptoms is possible.
Symptoms
The main symptom associated with bipolar disorder is chronic mood swings. During periods of extreme high or mania, the person may feel invincible leading to the engagement of risky behaviors. In episodes of extreme lows or depression, the individual may feel an overwhelming sense of despair or disinterest.
Other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are often a result of the influence of the mood swings. These symptoms can become aggravated by co-occurring conditions such as substance abuse or other health conditions as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.
Treatment
Though there is no cure, the condition is treatable. Treatment focuses on learning how to manage mood swings and symptoms. Gaining a better understanding of your triggers will help you to respond better to your own emotions. Other forms of treatment include medication, individual or group counseling, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle changes.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a fairly common disorder that affects a person’s ability to remain focused and control impulsive behaviors. Those with ADHD might find themselves feeling restless and have a near-constant urge to be active and moving. Although it is frequently diagnosed in children and adolescents, ADHD can continue well into adulthood, along with problems such as inattention, disorganization, and poor impulse control.
At Guiding Light Health Care Services, LLC, we are pleased to offer treatment options for those with ADHD. Whether you are a parent concerned about your child’s behavior and symptoms, or an adult who feels like this description sounds all too familiar, we are here to help. Living with ADHD can be challenging, regardless of the severity.
Some of the symptoms of ADHD can include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
- Failure to follow through on instructions, projects, or tasks
- Easily sidetracked
- Trouble getting and staying organized
- Frequently losing items necessary for school, work, or other essential tasks
- Becoming distracted easily by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
- Forgetful in daily activities
- Seems not to listen well when spoken to directly
- Fidgeting, squirming, and not being able to sit still
- Restlessness
- Inability to quietly engage in play or hobbies
- Being constantly in motion
- Talking nonstop
- Interrupting others when they’re speaking, blurting out answers, finishing other people’s sentences, and not being able to wait for one’s turn to speak
Having any or some of these symptoms does not always mean a person has ADHD. Children are especially prone to some of these behaviors naturally and ultimately learn to harness their energy and focus as they grow. An active child doesn’t necessarily equate to one with ADHD, and we are very careful to assess each patient’s full medical and personal history before making a diagnosis.
It is our highest priority to provide thorough and effective care to all our patients, and that starts with treating the person as a whole, not just the symptoms. Treatment options for ADHD may include medication such as stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants, therapy, and stress-management techniques, to name a few.
If you have questions about ADHD and how we can help you with your symptoms, please call our office at (478) 449-8800 today!
Group Therapy (Drug Abuse, Grief, and Anger Management)
Guiding Light is now offering group therapy sessions. Groups being offered:
- Substance Abuse
- Grief
- Anger Management
Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm and 7:00-8:00pm
To sign up to attend these groups:
Contact us at (478) 449-8800 or (478) 293-9884 or admin.asst@glhcs.com