Adolescents
Our general psychiatry programme for adolescents aims to provide help, support, and relief to young people between the ages of 12 and 18 (depending on the facility) who suffer from a range of psychiatric disorders.
The general psychiatry programme caters for young patients with a wide range of symptoms associated with psychiatric illnesses such as major depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar mood disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders.
The treatment programme in the adolescent units is a fully holistic one. We focus on treating each adolescent patient in the full context of what is going on in their life - including family, school, friends, community, and anything else that needs to be taken into account. This programme is designed to help young people learn how to self-regulate in any environment they may need to, using sensory strategies and practical skills. There is also an experiential aspect to this programme, allowing for real life learning with the support of qualified therapists.
Because of the sensitivities in dealing with underage patients, a pre-admission assessment is often required. The team will assess whether admission is right for the young person, and whether we would be able to effectively contain and treat the adolescent in a way that is beneficial to their mental health going forward.
What to expect
The programme consists of a combination of individual and group therapy, skills development, mindfulness, therapeutic, relaxation, and leisure/social activities.
The programme consists of the following:
Individual therapy
Family therapy where required
Mindfulness
Leisure/social activities
Group therapy
Skills development
Therapeutic relaxation
The multidisciplinary treatment team comprises of professionals with a specialist interest and expertise in adolescent development and psychiatry, and includes:
Nursing staff
Occupational therapists
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Social workers
Dialectical behaviour therapy, more commonly known as DBT, is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy used in psychotherapy. It’s highly effective, and helps to treat many mental health disorders such as depression, substance abuse disorders, borderline personality disorder, and many more. The main theory behind DBT is that people are often more likely to react strongly or in a way that is concerning only in particular situations. These emotional situations occur mainly in relationships with family, romantic partners, or friends. Among other things, DBT teaches people with these intense arousal levels how to manage their stress, their distress, and their emotional reactions in order to cope better with these often destructive emotional surges.
Our adolescent self-assessment is designed especially for young people, and can help you to understand more about how you're feeling and help you find the assistance you may need.
Disorders treated in the adolescent programme
The adolescent programme offers mental healthcare for a range of disorders. Understanding more about these disorders can help you to know when you may need help.
Anxiety
Intense, persistent feelings of worry or fear about everyday situations may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Bipolar mood disorder
Characterised by unusual or extreme shifts in mood, energy, and the ability to manage day to day life.
Depression
Constant, sustained low mood, and feelings of hopelessness or apathy may be indicative of a depressive disorder.
Eating disorders
Eating habits that are continuous, excessive, uncontrolled, or insufficient, and are associated with a negative body image.
Substance use disorders / addiction
Addictions can be related to a substance such as alcohol or drugs or may be behavioural.
As part of our commitment to providing the best and safest care to all of our patients, we listen. If you have anything you'd like to ask us, or need assistance accessing our services, please get in touch.
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