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Which Conditions Are Treated?

In our Mental Health and Psychiatry department, we successfully treat a wide variety of psychiatric conditions encountered in adulthood. The main conditions diagnosed and treated in our clinic include:

• Depression: Characterized by an inability to enjoy life, persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of energy. We offer effective depression treatment aligned with international standards.
• Anxiety Disorders: The management of excessive worry, tension, and fear that disrupt daily functioning is planned by our specialist physicians as part of anxiety disorder treatment.
• Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks: Controlling intense fear attacks, palpitations, shortness of breath, and physical symptoms that occur unexpectedly.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Treatment of recurrent disturbing thoughts (obsessions) and the repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to relieve the distress caused by these thoughts.
• Bipolar Disorder: Balancing mood swings that alternate between periods of extreme cheerfulness, increased energy, and decreased need for sleep (mania) and periods of severe sadness (depression).
• Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders: Medical monitoring and rehabilitation of conditions where the perception of reality is impaired, and delusions or hallucinations may occur.
• Sleep Disorders: Treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), oversleeping, or other psychological issues that disrupt sleep quality.
• Eating Disorders: Psychiatric conditions affecting eating behavior and body image, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.
• Social Phobia and Specific Phobias: Overcoming excessive anxiety in social situations, fear of criticism, or irrational fears developed toward specific objects.

Diagnostic Methods

Accurate diagnosis of psychiatric conditions is the first and most crucial step of a successful treatment process. In our clinic, the diagnostic process begins with a detailed, empathetic clinical interview built on trust. Our specialist physician comprehensively evaluates the onset and severity of your symptoms, their impact on your life, your family history, and your medical background.

When deemed necessary, standardized psychological tests and inventories may be applied to support the diagnosis, measure the severity of symptoms, and evaluate personality traits. Additionally, blood tests, EEG, or radiological imaging (MRI, CT) are utilized to rule out underlying physical illnesses (such as thyroid dysfunction, B12 or Vitamin D deficiencies, neurological issues) that may cause psychiatric symptoms. This multidisciplinary approach ensures the most accurate diagnosis and the creation of a safe treatment plan.

Treatment Methods and Applications

In our Mental Health and Psychiatry department, we apply evidence-based, international treatment methods tailored to each patient's needs, diagnosis, and overall health status. Treatment planning generally includes the following approaches:

• Pharmacological Treatment (Medication): New-generation psychiatric medications with low side-effect profiles are used to regulate imbalances in chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. Medication is meticulously initiated by our specialist physician, the dosage is personalized, and its effectiveness is monitored at regular intervals.
• Individual Psychotherapy: Talk therapies applied to make sense of thought, emotion, and behavior patterns, change negative beliefs, and develop coping skills. Supportive psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches are frequently preferred.
• Psychoeducation and Lifestyle Changes: Informing our patients and, when necessary, their families about the disease process, and instilling habits such as sleep hygiene, stress management, and healthy living are integral parts of the treatment.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Mental and physical health are a whole. When necessary, we collaborate with other specialized units of our hospital, such as neurology, internal medicine, endocrinology, or nutrition and dietetics, to provide comprehensive healthcare.

Technology and Team

As BHT CLINIC Istanbul Tema Hospital, we provide world-class healthcare with JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation. Our Mental Health and Psychiatry department consists of an expert medical team with high empathy and extensive clinical experience, closely following current scientific developments in the field.

Our team is committed to ethical values and holds infinite respect for patient rights and privacy. Our outpatient consultation rooms are designed as soundproofed, private spaces where you can feel completely safe and comfortable. Our hospital's 24/7 emergency department and fully equipped laboratory infrastructure allow us to offer fast and reliable solutions in psychiatric emergencies and differential diagnosis processes.

When Should You Seek Help?

Psychological distress is a normal experience that everyone can face from time to time. However, if these difficulties lower your quality of life or disrupt your family, work, or social relationships, it is time to seek professional support. Early intervention is the most important factor in increasing treatment success. We recommend visiting our department if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Deep sadness, unhappiness, and unexplained crying spells lasting more than two weeks.
• Excessive anxiety, worry, and anticipation of disaster that prevent you from doing your daily tasks.
• Difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently at night, or sleeping so much that you do not want to get out of bed.
• Significant decrease in appetite or sudden weight changes accompanied by an urge to binge eat.
• Inability to enjoy life, hopelessness, or thoughts of death or suicide.
• Unexplained palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, and fear of dying (panic attack symptoms).
• Avoiding communication with people, withdrawal, and social isolation.
• Outbursts of anger, intolerance, and inability to control impulses.
• Constantly repeating thoughts and actions that cannot be stopped even though they are known to be irrational.
• Hearing voices, seeing images that are not real, or having suspicious thoughts.

Appointment and Examination Process

Taking a step for your mental health is the bravest and most important part of the healing process. You can book your BHT CLINIC psychiatry appointment quickly, confidentially, and easily. You can schedule your appointment by calling our 24/7 call center at 0850 811 34 00 or through our website.

During your first examination, our physician will actively listen to you without judgment, evaluate your complaints, and determine the most appropriate treatment roadmap together with you. The principle of patient-doctor confidentiality is strictly adhered to at every stage of your diagnosis and treatment process. For a healthy, balanced, and peaceful tomorrow, you can book an appointment with our expert team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have graduated from medical school; they can make medical diagnoses, request tests, and prescribe medication. Psychologists are graduates of psychology departments in faculties of arts and sciences, providing support through therapy methods and psychological tests. At our hospital, mental health services are conducted with a holistic approach under the leadership of our physicians.

Are psychiatric medications addictive?

The majority of new-generation psychiatric medications (especially antidepressants) used under the supervision of a specialist physician, at the correct dose, and for the recommended duration do not cause addiction. The treatment process is closely monitored by your doctor, and medications are stopped gradually, not suddenly.

How long does a psychiatry examination take?

The initial psychiatry examination usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes to obtain a detailed patient history, understand the complaints, and make an accurate diagnosis. Follow-up examinations to evaluate the progress of the treatment generally take less time.

How long does it take for depression treatment to show results?

The positive effects of medications used in depression treatment usually begin to show between 2 and 4 weeks. To ensure full recovery and prevent the recurrence of the disease, the duration of treatment varies from person to person but generally lasts at least 6 months.

Can I visit the psychiatry department without an appointment?

To ensure we can allocate sufficient time for you, complete your clinical evaluation thoroughly, and minimize your waiting time at the hospital, we highly recommend that you visit our psychiatry department by making an appointment.