Psychiatry in Paris

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. A medical doctor who specializes in this branch of medicine is called a psychiatrist and they can assess both the physical and mental aspects of all psychological issues. Psychiatrists are trained and qualified to:

• Make a diagnosis and develop a management plan
• Provide urgent care for a sudden mental illness
• Provide advice about lifestyle changes
• Provide advice and second opinions to other doctors and medical professionals
• Help manage a long-term mental health problem
• Work with patients individually, or with the patient and patient’s family, partner, or carers
• Refer patients to other medical professionals
• Admit patients to hospital if required
• Prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, stimulants, and mood stabilizers
• Perform procedures.

There are numerous procedures psychiatrists can use to diagnose and treat patients, these include, but are not limited to:

• Psychometric testing, including personality tests, intelligence tests, and neuropsychological tests
• Physical and laboratory testing, including full physical exams, neurological evaluations, laboratory tests (such as blood and urine tests), and neuroimaging techniques
• Psychotherapy
• Psychosocial interventions
• Electroconvulsive therapy.

Some common reasons why someone might see a psychiatrist include:

• Problem adjusting after major life changes
• Depression that does not go away
• Anxiety, fear, or worry
• Suicidal thinking
• Hurting themselves on purpose
• Thoughts of hurting other people
• Obsessional thinking
• Constant negative thoughts
• Feeling like people want to harm them or are after them
• Feeling jumpy or on edge
• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Addictive behaviors
• Memory problems
• Violence or emotional outburst
• Conditions that start in childhood, such as intellectual disability, autism, and childhood anxiety.

Examples of the mental health conditions that psychiatrists can diagnose and treat include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia.

How Long Should I Stay in Paris?

Psychiatric treatments are typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you should be able to leave the clinic or hospital immediately after the procedure, and leave Paris the day after. If hospitalization is required, the average hospital stay is around 1 to 2 weeks. Since psychiatric treatment usually requires more than one appointment, you can choose to stay in Paris for the whole treatment plan or to make multiple trips.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery from a mental health problem depends on your specific condition and the type of treatment you underwent. However, there is usually no recovery time needed after the psychiatric treatment itself. You can go back to your normal routine immediately. It is normal to feel overwhelmed or emotionally drained after a treatment session, so you can take a day off of work after your treatment if you need to.

What Aftercare is Required?

If your psychiatrist prescribes medications, make sure to take it as directed. Your psychiatrist may also advise you on making lifestyle changes. You may need to attend regular checkups with your psychiatrist, ranging from once a week to twice a year, depending on your specific condition and its severity. 

What's the Success Rate?

Psychiatry continues to develop and advance. A better understanding of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, as well as new technology, have helped psychiatrists to become better at diagnosing, preventing, treating, and managing mental health conditions. The quality of life of people with a mental health condition who go to psychiatrists and stick to their treatment plans have been proven to improve. While there is typically no serious risks to psychiatry treatment, it does have some side effects, such as feeling overwhelmed or emotional after treatment. 

Are there Alternatives?

In some cases, you should be able to see other mental health professionals, such as clinical psychologists and mental health counselors. 

Psychiatry in and around Paris

About Paris

Paris is the capital and most populous city of France and it is the second-most visited country in the world and it is easy to see why. The city is considered as an international center of fashion, culture, art, and gastronomy. Its boulevards are lined with museums, world-famous monuments, classical bistros and boutiques, wine bars, and design shops that successfully captured the heart of its visitors. Besides a popular destination for leisure, Paris is also one of the leaders in Europe for medical tourism. Hospitals and clinics in the city are well-equipped and are able to perform all manner of medical treatments for international tourists. The doctors and nurses offer the highest level of care that is hard to rival. 

Popular Parts of Paris

Paris is filled with iconic monuments with thousands of years of history. The most popular attraction of the city, as well as France’s symbol, is the Eiffel Tower. Visitors are allowed to climb as far as the 2nd floor via the south pillar’s 720 stairs or ride the elevator to the top. Besides the Eiffel Tower, visitors can stroll around the glamorous avenue des Champs-Élysées and admire Arc De Triomphe, admire the exquisite décor of Sainte-Chapelle, wander along the Seine, or try the city’s art nouveau cafes. Visiting Paris will never be complete without exploring its museums. One of the most popular is the Louvre, which is the biggest museum in the world with thousands of famous works, including the Mona Lisa.

Transport in Paris

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the main international gateway to the city. It connects the city with almost every country around the world. Getting around Paris is easy as the city boasts one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. The metro subway system is extensive, generally safe, easy to use, and the trains usually arrive on time. The buses are spacious and affordable. There is also a commuter express (“RER”) train service that will take you to the city’s most important areas. Taxis are available and can be found easily.

Visas in Paris

France is a member of the Schengen Agreement, meaning citizens of 62 countries, including Singapore, the US, and Australia do not need a visa to enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days. Other nationals not listed in the visa-free entry should obtain and apply for a visa and always check at the nearest French embassy or consulate for the requirements.

Weather in Paris

Spring (March-May) has mild temperatures with a lot of rainy days. Summer starts in June bringing warm temperatures and sunny days. The average temperature during the summer is around 18°C. The temperature will slowly decrease in autumn (September – November), but the weather is still generally pleasant. Winter can be cold as the temperature drop to 4°C. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the euro. 1 EUR is approx. 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available. Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping can be mandatory in certain places.
3. Local Language: French is the official language, but many people in tourist areas speak English. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: Paris has a diverse religion, with Christianity as the biggest. Other religions, such as Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism, are present.
5. Public Holidays: Paris celebrates 11 official public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Bastille Day, and Christmas Day.