Holistic Psychiatry vs Conventional Psychiatry: Why It Matters

At Revive Holistic Psychiatry, we understand that many people struggle with their mental health and there are many reasons why someone may be struggling.

Which is why we approach each individual holistically. We don’t just focus on managing symptoms but look at the entire individual to discover and treat the root cause so that they can live a more balanced and fulfilled life.

I’m Dr. Oluranti Adepoju, owner and psychiatrist at Revive Holistic Psychiatry, and I’m going to walk you through the main difference between holistic psychiatry and conventional psychiatry and why it matters to your mental health.

1. What is main difference between holistic and conventional psychiatry?

The main difference between the two is that a holistic approach seeks to address the root cause of the disorders themselves rather than just managing the symptoms of the illness (like anger, anxiety or depression) that often come along with mental and emotional struggle.

For example, conventional psychiatry involves careful evaluation and treatment with medications and psychotherapies.

Holistic psychiatry on the other hand:

Focuses on the unique characteristics of the individual person based on the interaction of the mind, body, spirit and community
Focuses on prevention and maintenance of health with attention to lifestyle choices including nutrition, exercise, stress management and emotional well being
Uses an evidence-based approach from multiple sources of information to integrate the best therapy for the patient, be it conventional or complimentary

2. How holistic psychiatry can help

Holistic psychiatry treats the whole person. It involves using the best possible treatment both from complementary alternative medicine and conventional psychiatry.

For example, a patient with anxiety may benefit from medication but it is also an important part of their treatment to rule out any possible organic disease that may have contributed to or caused their anxiety.

It is important to look at lifestyle such as habits, relationships, sleep, exercise, stress management, and nutrition. Some patients may want to choose supplements or botanicals. Mind-body therapy such as psychotherapy and acupuncture may also be recommended.

The more balance and empowerment a person achieves in their mind, body and lifestyle, the higher degree of wellness they will experience.

The main difference between the two is that a holistic approach seeks to address the root cause of the disorders themselves rather than just managing the symptoms of the illness.

3. Why holistic psychiatry could be right for you

If we’re able to treat the whole person instead of focusing on symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and so on, we see greater rates of recovery and long-term benefits.

An example that I always give to my patients is when someone has an infected wound, putting a bandaid might provide a temporary relief but it does not treat the underlying problem which is the infected wound.

Just putting a bandaid on the wound actually might make the infection worse. However, if treated with an antibiotic, the relief might not be immediate but it provides a long lasting healing.

So when a patient comes to us we take time in our initial consultation to ask a lot of questions and listen to your story so we can create an individualized plan of care, so we can provide both the antibiotic and the bandaid for a successful, long-lasting recovery.

So if you’re interested in getting support for your mental health, and would like to explore a holistic solution so you can find healing, schedule an appointment today. We can help!