Conditions

Understanding ADHD: A Neurodevelopmental Disorder


Understanding the Condition

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a brain-based condition that affects attention, focus, impulse control and organisation. Symptoms can vary but commonly include:

  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks
  • Impulsive decision-making
  • Trouble following instructions or completing tasks
  • Restlessness or hyperactivity (more common in children)
  • Poor time management and forgetfulness
 

ADHD affects academic performance, work efficiency and social relationships. It is not due to laziness or lack of discipline; rather, it is related to differences in brain structure and function.

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Conduct a full assessment including developmental, medical, and behavioural history.
  • Screen for co-existing conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning difficulties.
  • Prescribe and manage medications such as stimulants or non-stimulants.
  • Provide ongoing monitoring and adjust treatment plans as needed.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Provide behavioural therapy to develop coping skills and improve focus.
  • Teach time management, organisation, and planning strategies.
  • Work with families to implement routines, positive reinforcement, and structured support.
 

Understanding OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)


Understanding the Condition

OCD is characterised by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions). Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent, unwanted thoughts or images
  • Compulsive hand washing, checking or counting
  • Anxiety that intensifies if rituals are not performed
  • Avoidance of situations that trigger obsessions
 

OCD can be very distressing and time-consuming, affecting daily life, workand relationships.

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Diagnose OCD using structured assessments.
  • Monitor response and adjust medications for best outcomes.
  • Prescribe medications (often SSRIs) to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Provide CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the most effective treatment.
  • Help patients gradually face fears and reduce compulsive behaviours.
  • Teach coping mechanisms for anxiety management.
 

Understanding Anxiety Disorders


Understanding the Condition

Anxiety disorders go beyond normal worry, causing excessive fear, panic attacks and avoidance. Symptoms include:

  • Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling
  • Persistent worry or fear about everyday situations
  • Panic attacks or sudden overwhelming anxiety
  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Assess triggers, history, and co-existing conditions.
  • Monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed.
  • Prescribe medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or short-term anxiolytics.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Provide CBT to change unhelpful thought patterns.
  • Teach relaxation techniques, exposure therapy, and coping strategies.
  • Offer group or individual therapy to improve functioning and resilience.
 

Understanding Mood Disorders and Depression


Understanding the Condition

Mood disorders affect emotional regulation and can impact motivation, sleep and relationships. Symptoms include:

  • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Changes in appetite or sleep
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Diagnose type of mood disorder through assessment.
  • Prescribe antidepressants, mood stabilisers, or antipsychotics.
  • Recommend combined medication and therapy approaches for moderate to severe cases.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Offer CBT, IPT, Psychodynamic Therapy, or MBCT.
  • Help patients understand and restructure negative thinking.
  • Support patients in developing coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.
 

Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression


Understanding the Condition

Treatment-resistant depression occurs when symptoms persist despite at least two adequate antidepressant trials. Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent low mood or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Fatigue and impaired concentration

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Review prior treatments and suggest alternative medications.
  • Consider advanced interventions like TMS or ketamine therapy.
  • Provide ongoing monitoring and combination strategies.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Offer therapies such as CBT or MBCT targeted at treatment-resistant depression.
  • Teach strategies to improve coping, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.
  • Support adherence to treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
 

Understanding Perinatal Mental Illness


Understanding the Condition

Perinatal mental illness affects parents during pregnancy and up to a year postpartum. Symptoms include:

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, or constant worry
  • Low mood, irritability, or guilt
  • Difficulty bonding with the baby
  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Diagnose perinatal anxiety, depression, or psychosis.
  • Prescribe safe medications compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Provide support for substance dependence or detox if required.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Offer prenatal and postnatal counselling.
  • Teach coping strategies to manage anxiety and improve bonding.
  • Support parents in emotional adjustment and parenting confidence.
 

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)


Understanding the Condition

PTSD develops after experiencing trauma such as assault, accidents, or war. Symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
  • Avoidance of reminders of trauma
  • Hypervigilance, irritability, or sleep disturbances
  • Anxiety, depression, or substance misuse

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Assess severity and co-existing conditions.
  • Prescribe medications for anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances.
  • Arrange intensive care or hospitalisation if needed.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Provide a safe environment to process trauma.
  • Use CBT or EMDR to reduce distressing symptoms.
  • Teach coping strategies, grounding techniques, and emotional regulation.
 

Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Understanding the Condition

MCI involves noticeable declines in memory, attention, or decision-making beyond normal aging. Symptoms include:

  • Forgetting appointments or recent conversations
  • Difficulty concentrating or planning
  • Misplacing items frequently
  • Mild confusion in new situations
 

Not everyone with MCI develops dementia, but monitoring is important.

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Conduct cognitive testing and medical assessments.
  • Identify treatable causes (e.g., depression, sleep disorders, medication effects).
  • Recommend lifestyle changes, medications or referrals to specialists if needed.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Provide memory training and cognitive exercises.
  • Teach compensatory strategies for daily tasks.
  • Support patients and families in coping with cognitive changes.
 

Understanding Dementia


Understanding the Condition

Dementia refers to progressive cognitive decline affecting memory, thinking, behaviour and daily functioning. Common symptoms include:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Difficulty problem-solving or planning
  • Confusion about time or place
  • Changes in mood or personality
  • Trouble performing familiar tasks
 

Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia are common types.

What a Psychiatrist Can Do

  • Diagnose type and stage of dementia through assessment and brain imaging.
  • Prescribe medications to slow progression and manage mood or behavioural symptoms.
  • Support families with care planning and safety strategies.

What a Psychologist Can Do

  • Provide cognitive stimulation therapy to maintain cognitive function.
  • Offer counselling to patients and caregivers for emotional support.
  • Teach practical strategies for daily living and memory support.