It is important to talk with your doctor regarding your disorder and possible treatments. Whether you are working with a doctor or a team of doctors, it is important for you and your family members/significant others to be actively involved in the treatment plan, including the discussion of any side effects associated with medications that may be prescribed.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms related to a psychiatric disorder, you should consult a psychiatrist immediately. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that specialize in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, and should make the final diagnosis. A physical exam should be conducted and a medical history taken to ensure there are no other possible causes of symptoms. Diagnoses are made based on a thorough psychiatric interview of the person and family members. Currently, there are no medical tests for psychiatric disordersÑthere are diagnosed by the existence and duration of signs/symptoms, and whether significant impairment exists in areas such as family/social relationships, employment and/or education.

Read more about psychiatric brain disorders.

Understanding Schizophrenia (276 kb) Understanding Antipsychotic Medications (100 kb) NARSAD's Research Partners Progam (92 kb) The Search for Cures (32 kb) Fact Sheet: Late Life Depression (443 kb) Fact Sheet: Bipolar Disorder (in development) Fact Sheet: Autism Spectrum Disorders (463 kb)

Fact Sheet: Borderline Personality Disorder (419 kb) Fact Sheet: Suicide and Its Prevention (421 kb) Fact Sheet: Child & Adolescent Depression (451 kb) Fact Sheet: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (512 kb) Fact Sheet: Bipolar Disorder in Children (75 kb) Fact Sheet: Adult Depression (473 kb)