What is a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a doctor who is specially trained and qualified to diagnose and treat individuals suffering from mental health conditions. Common mental health conditions treated by psychiatrists include:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders: ADHD or autism
• Psychotic conditions such as: schizophrenia, hallucinations, delusions
• Depression which affect emotions
• Anxiety concerning excessive worrying
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder which occurs after a stressful event
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Personality disorders
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia

About learning disabilities

Dr Paschos explains that a learning disability is when an individual’s ability to learn, comprehend, make judgement or use their speech is compromised. Additionally, cognitive problems can affect their day to day life, ability to work, form relationships and study.

About ADHD

ADHD is a condition that affects our ability to concentrate on tasks. For example, working or studying. It’s the most common neuropsychiatric condition in childhood and adolescence. ADHD affects around 1 in 20 children.

Dr Paschos highlights that people with ADHD have core skills and intelligence but have a problem with concentration and can often be impulsive, hyperactive and restless. He also explains the importance of getting a correct diagnosis of ADHD which is done through reports, questionnaires and online tests which measures attention and movement (hyperactivity). Together this reporting will either give an accurate diagnosis of ADHD or will rule it out.

About Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

ASD is a group of conditions which present early in life. An estimated 700,000 people in the UK have a diagnosis of autism, a lifelong condition with no cure.

Common symptoms include: difficulty with social communication, problems with gestures, making eye contact and verbal and non-verbal communication. The severity of symptoms varies between different people. For instance, individuals with autism can be highly functioning and lead normal lives. However, the lives of severely autistic people may be compromised without the right treatment or support.

Mental health and wellbeing

Dr Dimitrios Paschos emphasises the importance of mental health on wellbeing. For example, poor mental health can lead to poor lifestyle choices. In turn, this could contribute to a worsening of physical health and subsequently lead to a deterioration of mental health.

Dr Paschos explains that an early, accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is essential to optimising your mental health.

Diet and mental health

There is increasing evidence presenting the link between diet and exercise, mental health and physical health. For example, the effect of lack of vitamins on the brain plays an important role in brain function. In addition, Dr Paschos highlights the importance of good gut and bowel bacteria. He also discusses the link between the microbiome and mental health.

Sleep and mental health

Sleep is necessary for the brain to stay healthy and function effectively. Even missing one hour of sleep a night can impact on cognitive ability. In fact, serious sleep deprivation can impair you in the same way as being drunk. Dr Dimitrios Paschos explains that it is imperative for people to aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night.