Consultations and assessment

When a depressive episode or an anxiety disorder has been correctly diagnosed and adequate treatment given, response and complete remission rates are high. Depressive episode and depressive disorders are conditions that can be treated.

The diagnosis has to be precise for treatment to be recommended which has been proven to be effective.

“Chronic” episodes of depression can either be depressive episodes for which treatment was not completed, or depressive symptoms of other psychiatric disorders for which different specific approaches would be indicated (psychotherapy in particular).

Some depressive episodes can be refractory to all conventional therapies. This is when an interventional approach may be advisable.

In all cases, in the first instance, an analysis of all the treatments which have been given previously will be undertaken to assess whether pharmacological or non-pharmacological alternatives exist.

Depending on the severity of the depression and the specificities of each patient, rTMS or ketamine infusions may be advised and administered at the Centre for Interventional Psychiatry.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can also be discussed and a preliminary assessment made. ECT sessions have to be conducted in a specialized structure within a hospital.

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive psychosis, is a condition which is frequently very disabling. Periods of sometimes intense elation or irritability, called mania or hypomania, lasting a few days up to several months, alternate or happen simultaneously with phases of occasionally very intense depression.

Although the condition is chronic, if it is properly diagnosed, it can be stabilised by using certain medicines or non-pharmacological approaches which would allow a normal life.

A thorough assessment is required and fine tuning of the treatment is necessary in order to minimise side effects and the risk of relapse.

Particularly severe forms respond well to interventional therapies of the type of TMS and electroconvulsive therapy, even when medication has been unsuccessful.

Psychopharmacology is a complex discipline that is evolving all the time. Optimal treatment should provide the highest level of effectiveness and the least number of side effects. It has to be based on a rational, evidence-based medical approach which is not influenced by the pharmaceutical industry and uses the most up-to date practices for prescription.

Each patient gets a customised analysis of the history of medication taken, its usefulness and an assessment of the interactions.

Blood testing or genetic testing can also be proposed, as applicable.

The Centre for Interventional Psychiatry caters for adult patients of all ages.

Mental disorders found in the young adult may also be seen again in old age but with a different presentation. This is often the case for depression.

Problems specific to ageing can appear which are contextual or linked to stages of life or to loss. Physical or medical problems can also frequently contribute directly or indirectly to the occurrence of mental disorders.

At the Centre for Interventional Psychiatry, patients benefit from the care of specialists in psychiatry and psychotherapy for the aged.

People with memory disorders often find these very distressing. However, such disorders can be linked to various reasons and should be investigated properly with a specialised check-up.

A multidisciplinary treatment may be advised if these are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Many other physical or psychic illnesses can cause memory disorders. Effective therapies exist as in the case of anxiety disorder or some depressions.

Depending on the situation, appropriate neuropsychological testing will be proposed alongside psychiatric assessment and the tests will be carried out at the Centre for Interventional Psychiatry in a comfortable setting and within an agreed time frame.

Brain imaging, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also be prescribed, as well as other biological tests, if necessary, to complete the medical assessment.