Mental illness treatments

When someone first starts to develop symptoms of a mental health condition, it is important to reach out for help. With the right support, a person’s condition can improve, or they can learn to live well even when some symptoms continue. Psychological treatments are helpful for many people affected by a mental health condition, and sometimes medication is needed as well, especially when symptoms are having a significant impact on daily life.

A good first step is to see your doctor, who can talk through what is happening and point you towards suitable treatment and support. Family and friends can also seek advice about treatment and support options to help a loved one. This can matter when the person experiencing symptoms is unsure about seeking help, or does not realise they are unwell.

Initial assessment#

A mental health professional can make an assessment based on a person’s particular pattern of symptoms. For example, symptoms that may point to depression include feeling “down” for a prolonged period, sleeping too little or too much, or being unable to concentrate.

Assessment might involve face-to-face consultations, questionnaires, behavioural assessments, and sometimes talking with others such as friends, family, teachers or other health professionals. The mental health professional then builds an understanding of what the person is experiencing and may make a diagnosis.

Together with the person, they discuss the best treatment options for the symptoms and any possible underlying causes. A diagnosis can change over time as symptoms change or as more is learned about the person. The most important thing is for the professional to understand the symptoms so that the most helpful treatment and support can be chosen.

The professional will explain how the treatment works and outline any possible side effects, and the person can ask questions about what is proposed. They may also suggest other health professionals, community supports or resources alongside treatment.

Types of mental health professionals#

A doctor will often carry out an initial assessment, discuss the outcome and treatment options, and provide treatment. They also help make sure the physical health of a person living with a mental health condition is not neglected. Where appropriate, a doctor may refer the person to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the study and treatment of mental health conditions. Many people affected by a mental health condition will have contact with a psychiatrist at some stage, and those taking medication may have more regular contact. Other professionals who provide care include psychologists and mental health social workers. A referral from a doctor or psychiatrist is often needed to access specialist mental health services.

Types of help for people living with mental health conditions#

Mental health care is delivered in different ways, and the level of support usually depends on the impact or severity of a person’s symptoms rather than a specific diagnosis. Services generally fall into a few broad categories.

Public mental health services can include hospital care, community-based services, early intervention programs and residential services. Some services are designed for children and adolescents, while others are for adults.

Specialist services are often grouped into two types:

• Clinical services focus on the assessment and treatment of people living with a mental illness, and are commonly managed by general health facilities such as hospitals.
• Non-clinical (community support) services focus on activities and programs that help people manage their own recovery and take part fully in community life. These often include professionals working in private practice.

Private healthcare usually involves paying a fee. It is also possible to be admitted as an inpatient at a private clinic or hospital, though without private health insurance this can be expensive.

Treatment at home and in the community#

A person may need an inpatient stay if they are acutely unwell and would benefit from intensive treatment for a short period. (An inpatient service is where someone is admitted to a hospital by a doctor for treatment, even if they do not stay overnight.) Wherever possible, though, treatment at home and in the community is preferred.

Community-based mental health care can include:

• Case management and support coordination to help with recovery and to access services such as housing and employment support, and to educate the person and their family or carers about the condition and how to provide support.
• Crisis teams that provide community-based assessment and treatment for people experiencing a psychiatric crisis. These services aim to prevent unnecessary hospitalisation by providing urgent assessment and treatment in the person’s own environment, and can arrange an inpatient admission if that is the most suitable option.
• Community support programs that provide longer-term help in a person’s home and community, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life. Support may include specialised assessments, counselling, coaching, learning and group activities, recreation and leisure, supported independent living, residential services, and support for family and carers.

Psychological treatments#

Psychological treatments (or “therapies”) give people an opportunity to talk about their thoughts and feelings with a specially trained professional, in order to understand and cope with their symptoms. They can be accessed in the community or in hospital settings.

These therapies can reduce the distress associated with symptoms and may even help reduce the symptoms themselves. Depending on the person, therapy may take time (often months), but it can have long-term benefits. Not all treatments suit everyone, so each person needs to find the therapy that works for them.

Some examples of psychological therapies include:

• Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) looks at how a person’s thoughts and behaviour can become stuck in unhelpful patterns. The person and the therapist work together to develop new ways of thinking and acting, usually including tasks to practise between sessions.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) looks at how a person’s relationships and interactions with others can affect their thoughts, behaviours and feelings. Difficult relationships can be a source of stress, and improving them may improve quality of life.
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is generally used for people living with borderline personality disorder, but can help with other issues. It supports people to better manage strong emotions, cope with distress, and improve relationships.

Medications#

Medications are mainly helpful for people who experience certain types of mental health conditions, or who have more challenging or severe symptoms. They are often prescribed alongside psychological therapies or other support. Different medications treat different conditions, including:

• Antidepressant medications, which (often combined with psychological therapies) may treat symptoms of conditions such as depression and anxiety, phobias and some eating disorders.
• Antipsychotic medications, which are mostly used to treat symptoms of psychosis, for example in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and may also be prescribed for more severe depression or anxiety.
• Mood-stabilising medications, which help people living with bipolar disorder by reducing the recurrence of major depression and helping to ease manic or “high” episodes.

Key points#

• When someone first starts to develop symptoms of a mental health condition, it is important to reach out for help.
• Psychological treatments can be helpful for many people affected by a mental health condition.
• Sometimes medications are needed, especially when symptoms significantly affect a person’s life.
• Family and friends can also seek advice about treatment and support options for their loved ones.
• A mental health professional can make an assessment based on a person’s particular pattern of symptoms.

Where to get help#