Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. It involves understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental illnesses.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications, offer therapy (such as psychotherapy) and provide other forms of treatment to help individuals manage conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and more.

The field of psychiatry encompasses various specialisations, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry (focusing on legal aspects), geriatric psychiatry (focusing on elderly patients), neuropsychiatry and addiction psychiatry.

Treatment approaches may include a combination of medications, therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes hospitalisation for more acute cases.

Psychiatry aims not only to alleviate symptoms but also to improve overall mental well-being and quality of life for patients.

As a psychiatrist, I offer comprehensive mental health care for individuals older than 16 years. My services include:

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Conducting thorough evaluations to assess mental health conditions, providing accurate diagnoses, and identifying underlying issues that may affect mental well-being.
• Treatment of Mental Health Disorders: Offering evidence-based treatment for a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders and other mental health disorders.
• Medication Management: Prescribing and monitoring of psychiatric medications.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Providing supportive and cognitive-behavioural interventions tailored to individual needs.
• Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Collaborating with healthcare providers to address the mental health aspects of patients with chronic illnesses or complex medical conditions.

As a psychiatrist, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach to patient care, ensuring that each treatment plan is personalised and considers the unique physical, psychological, and social factors affecting the individual.

I am committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and individualised care to support each patient’s journey toward mental wellness.

The MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) approach in psychiatry refers to the collaborative, integrated care model that brings together professionals from various disciplines to address the complex needs of individuals with mental health conditions. This approach is central to providing holistic, patient-centred care and is increasingly recognised as essential for achieving the best outcomes in psychiatric treatment. Here’s how the MDT approach functions and why it’s effective:

What is the MDT Approach in Psychiatry?

In psychiatry, an MDT typically consists of a variety of professionals, each bringing their expertise to support the patient’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The core team may include:

• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specialising in mental health, diagnosing and prescribing medications, and overseeing the treatment plan.
• Psychologists: Experts in therapy and counselling, focusing on understanding mental health conditions through assessments and offering psychological treatments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
• Social Workers: Assist in providing psychosocial support, helping patients navigate life challenges and offering resources such as housing, social services, or family support.
• Nurses: Psychiatric nurses who monitor patients, offer therapeutic care and educate both patients and their families about mental health management.
• Occupational Therapists: Focus on helping individuals improve their daily living skills and work-related abilities to enhance independence and quality of life.
• Speech Therapists: Specialise in assisting patients with communication difficulties that might arise as a result of mental health disorders or neurological conditions.

Dieticians: Assist in ensuring proper nutritional intake, which is often overlooked but can significantly impact mental health.