Medications

The challenge is in choosing medications with the least side effects to the individual, chiefly avoiding weight gain, lethargy or sexual side effects, as patients often need to take them for several months or longer to prevent recurrences.

The aim is to reach complete remission as soon as possible, and at times, achieving this requires not just pushing the dose higher, but the strategic use of augmenting agents. We are all different individuals with different responses, side effect vulnerabilities and this is where the specialists’ expertise is critical in selecting the quickest, effective choices with the least side effects to match the individual.

Practical self-management techniques

These are practical strategies that provide important relief when symptoms strike acutely, and thus empower the patient in mastering control over their symptoms. Techniques to help manage panic attacks, avoidance, loss of motivation, inattention, and insomnia.

Working collaboratively with the patient, effective coping habits are also developed to overcome stress whether they are from work, relationship, or avoidance.

Moreover, establishing healthy routines is now essential as we become increasingly isolated under Covid restrictions.

Psychotherapy

My role is to assist the patient develop better self-awareness, self-regard, and determine who they are, what are important in their life. These may differ from what others expect of them, and require courage and creativity to explore. It’s  important to avoid imposing proscriptive dogmas, instead, facilitate the patient to crystallise these answers to resolve inner conflict.