Mental Health Services

The duration of medication use varies from person to person and depends on the condition being treated. For some individuals, psychiatric medications may be needed only for a few months, while others with chronic conditions may need medications long-term.

Your psychiatrist will regularly evaluate your progress and determine when, or if, it's appropriate to reduce or stop the medication. Some medications may require gradual tapering to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to find a treatment plan that allows you to function well with the lowest effective dose for the appropriate length of time.

The length of treatment varies based on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people may need short-term care, while others with chronic conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or severe depression may require long-term treatment and monitoring.

Psychiatrists provide a variety of treatments including:

• Medication management: Prescribing medications when required.
• Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, either one-on-one or in groups.
• Lifestyle guidance: Helping with stress management, sleep hygiene, and healthy habits.
• Referral services: Connecting patients to other specialists or support services as needed.

Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to:

• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, decreased energy levels, and loss of interest in activities.
• Anxiety disorders: Including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias.
• Bipolar disorder: Characterised by episodes of depression and mania.
• Schizophrenia: A mental disorder that affects thinking, behavior, and perception, often involving hallucinations or delusions.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A condition affecting focus, impulse control, and organisational skills, commonly seen in both children and adults.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.
• Personality disorders: Such as borderline personality disorder, which impacts how individuals relate to others and manage emotions.
• Eating disorders: Including anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.
• Substance use disorders: Problems related to the misuse of drugs or alcohol.
• Sleep disorders: Including insomnia or sleep disruptions related to mental health issues.
• Autism spectrum disorders: Addressing social, behavioral, and communication challenges, particularly in children and adolescents.
• Sexual health concerns: Including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and loss of libido.

Psychiatrists can also help with more general issues such as managing stress, grief, relationship problems, or life transitions that may affect mental health.