Psychiatry

Our whole world is perceived and processed by the mind, and our behavior and personal interactions all have their root in the physical, chemical, and electrical environments within the brain. Mental, systemic, and physical disorders of the mind can have a profound impact on the way we experience the world around us and on how we relate to others. Psychiatry is the medical science that seeks to analyze and diagnose abnormal patterns and behaviors and relieve distress and suffering by prescribing medicines or administering psychotherapy.

As a medical field, Psychiatry focuses on ways to diagnose, treat and prevent illnesses related to mental, emotional and behavioral states. Psychiatrists are fully trained medical physicians specializing in the mental health field, which can involve issues of substance dependence and abuse. They examine problems that are psychological in nature and determine the mental and physical issues influencing these conditions—which may include overwhelming sensations of panic, hallucinations, despair, anxiety, hopelessness, or other emotional states that distort the perception of everyday life.

Their experience as clinical physicians enables them to perform diagnostic laboratory tests as well as psychological examinations that can scientifically evaluate a patient’s physical and mental profile. These tests may take into account factors such as family history, other diagnosed illnesses, and other medical or psychological data. Dialogue with patients can contextualize these clinical findings, suggesting pathways to treatment and recovery.

Our professional psychiatrist. Dr. Miguel Fernando Dinis de Seixas, is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and holds a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training in General Adult Psychiatry, with accreditation in Substance Misuse Psychiatry.