Mental health conditions can affect every aspect of life, including relationships, work, parenting, sleep, physical health and overall wellbeing. At Canberra Neurology, our psychiatry team provides compassionate, evidence-based care for adults experiencing a broad range of mental health concerns.
We understand that many people live with more than one mental health concern at the same time, and we take a thoughtful, individualised approach to diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support.
Psychiatric treatment may involve a combination of careful assessment, medication management, psychotherapy, practical coping strategies and coordination with GPs, psychologists, allied health providers and family members where appropriate.
Depression is more than simply feeling sad or overwhelmed. It can affect mood, motivation, sleep, energy, concentration and enjoyment of life. Some people experience persistent low mood, while others may notice irritability, fatigue, social withdrawal or feelings of hopelessness.
Our psychiatrists provide assessment and treatment for mild, moderate and severe depression, including treatment-resistant depression and depression occurring alongside anxiety, trauma, chronic illness or other mental health conditions.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and can significantly impact daily life. Anxiety may present as constant worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, obsessive thoughts, physical symptoms or difficulty coping with stress.
We assess and manage a range of anxiety disorders, including:
Bipolar affective disorder involves episodes of depression as well as periods of elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity or reduced need for sleep. These mood changes can range from mild to severe and may affect relationships, finances, work and physical health.
Our psychiatrists provide careful assessment, diagnosis and long-term management of bipolar disorder, with a focus on stabilising mood, reducing relapse risk and supporting quality of life.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterised by intrusive thoughts, fears or urges, along with repetitive behaviours or mental rituals performed to reduce distress. OCD can be distressing, exhausting and highly disruptive to daily life.
Common examples include:
Our psychiatrists provide evidence-based treatment for OCD, often working alongside psychologists to support therapy-based approaches where appropriate.
Borderline personality disorder can affect emotional regulation, relationships, self-image and coping skills. People living with borderline personality disorder may experience intense emotions, impulsive behaviours, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships or periods of self-harm and distress.
We provide compassionate, non-judgemental assessment and support for borderline personality disorder, with a focus on emotional stability, practical coping strategies and improving day-to-day functioning.
Psychosis can affect how a person thinks, feels and experiences reality. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, paranoia or difficulty distinguishing what is real.
Psychotic symptoms can occur in a range of mental health conditions and may be associated with mood disorders, substance use, severe stress or primary psychotic disorders.
Early assessment and treatment are important. Our psychiatrists provide comprehensive care for people experiencing psychosis, with a focus on safety, stabilisation and long-term support.
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that can affect thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviour. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, social withdrawal, reduced motivation and difficulties with concentration or communication.
Our psychiatrists provide ongoing management for schizophrenia and related disorders, including medication management, relapse prevention and coordination with family members and community supports where appropriate.
Many patients live with more than one mental health condition at the same time. Some people may have overlapping symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, personality difficulties, substance use or neurodevelopmental concerns.
Our psychiatrists have experience managing complex mental health presentations, including patients who have not responded to previous treatment or who require a more detailed and nuanced assessment.
Forensic psychiatry involves the assessment and management of mental health conditions within legal, correctional or medico-legal settings. This may include patients involved in court proceedings, criminal matters, compensation claims or fitness-for-work assessments.
Our psychiatrists have experience in forensic psychiatry and understand the importance of careful, objective and comprehensive assessment in these situations.
People living with intellectual disabilities may also experience mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, behavioural difficulties or emotional distress. Mental health conditions in this group can sometimes be overlooked or more difficult to identify.
Our psychiatrists provide tailored assessment and support for patients with intellectual disabilities, taking into account communication needs, cognitive challenges and the involvement of carers or support networks.
Mental health concerns can occur during pregnancy and after birth. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, physical recovery, relationship pressures and the emotional demands of parenting can all contribute to mental health difficulties.
We support women experiencing:
Our psychiatrists provide sensitive and supportive care during what can be a particularly vulnerable time.
The IVF journey can be emotionally exhausting and deeply distressing, particularly when treatment is unsuccessful or when pregnancy loss occurs. Many patients experience grief, anxiety, depression, guilt or relationship strain during fertility treatment.
Our psychiatrists understand the emotional challenges associated with infertility, IVF treatment and fertility-related loss, and provide compassionate support to help patients process these experiences and move forward.
At Canberra Neurology, we are committed to providing respectful, confidential and personalised psychiatric care. Whether you are experiencing symptoms for the first time or have been living with a mental health condition for many years, our psychiatrists are here to help you access the support, treatment and guidance you need.
