General Adult Psychiatry
Our mission at Altitude Mind Clinic is to ensure each patient receives the treatment, management, and overall support they deserve.
The conditions listed under general psychiatry are not a one size fits all. Most patients experience aspects of multiple conditions, and our goal is to help our patients navigate these concerns and reach their peak health.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition affecting people of all ages and is characterised by intense feelings of fear, worry or unease about everyday situations. While occasional anxiety is a normal and often beneficial response to stress, persistent or excessive anxiety can interfere with daily life and may signal an underlying anxiety disorder.
Anxiety displays in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, ranging from mild and manageable to severe and debilitating. Common symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation.
- Muscle tension or aches.
- Sweating or trembling.
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhoea.
- Persistent worry or fear, often disproportionate to the situation.
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge.”
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
- Irritability.
- A sense of impending doom or danger.
Anxiety often arises from a combination of factors, including biological, environmental and psychological influences. Common causes include:
- Biological Factors: Genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances (like serotonin or dopamine) and chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease or thyroid disorders) can contribute to anxiety.
- Environmental Triggers: Trauma, significant life changes, ongoing stress, workplace or academic pressure, and adverse childhood experiences often play a role.
- Psychological Factors: Traits like perfectionism or low self-esteem and poor stress management can increase vulnerability.
- Substance Use and Medications: Caffeine, recreational drugs or certain medications can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Depression
Depression is a mental health condition that impacts people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. More than feeling sad or having a bad day, depression is a persistent condition characterised by a severe low mood or a loss of interest in activities once found enjoyable. This disorder can interfere with daily life, relationships and physical health, making early recognition and treatment essential.
Depression displays a range of emotional, physical and behavioural symptoms, which can vary in intensity from person to person:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness.
- A lack of motivation or enthusiasm for activities that were once enjoyable.
- Intense feelings of guilt, worthlessness or self-blame.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Thoughts of death, dying or self-harm.
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping excessively.
- Changes in appetite or weight, either loss or gain.
- Fatigue or a noticeable lack of energy, even after minimal effort.
- Physical pain, such as headaches or stomach aches, without a clear medical cause.
- Withdrawal from friends, family or social activities.
- A decline in performance at work or school.
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviours.
Depression can be caused by a range of biological, psychological and environmental factors:
- Biological: Genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, chronic illnesses and hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause.
- Psychological: Low self-esteem, sensitivity to criticism, overthinking or trauma from adverse experiences.
- Environmental: Stressful life events, social isolation, substance abuse or lack of support networks.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce distress or prevent feared outcomes. These behaviours often interfere with daily functioning and cause significant distress.
Symptoms of OCD
OCD symptoms are separated into obsessions and compulsions.
- Fear of contaminating germs, dirt, or diseases from touching objects or being in certain environments.
- Persistent thoughts that something bad will happen to oneself or loved ones, such as accidents or injuries.
- A need to have things perfectly aligned, balanced, or arranged in a specific way and feeling intense stress when they are not.
- Intrusive thoughts about acting immorally, violating personal values, or offending religious beliefs.
Obsessions are not simply excessive worries about real-life problems; they often feel irrational and disproportionate, yet are extremely distressing to the individual.
- Repeated handwashing, showering, or cleaning surfaces to eliminate perceived contamination.
- Ritualistically checking that doors are locked, or appliances are turned off, such as checking the front door multiple times in a row.
- Engaging in specific counting patterns or silently repeating phrases to reduce distress.
- Rearranging items until they feel “just right” or balanced according to personal standards.
- Silently praying, reviewing events, or mentally undoing perceived wrongs to neutralise obsessive fears.
These compulsions can consume significant time, interfere with daily life, and often bring only temporary relief, perpetuating a distressing cycle.
Causes of OCD
While the exact cause of OCD is unknown, contributing factors may include:
- Genetics: A family history of OCD may increase the risk.
- Brain Structure and Function: Abnormalities in brain circuits, particularly involving serotonin, are linked to OCD.
- Environmental Triggers: Stressful life events or trauma can exacerbate symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as violence, natural disasters, accidents, or military combat. It disrupts emotional wellbeing and daily functioning.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can affect everyone differently and are usually categorised into four groups.
- Intense flashbacks that feel like the traumatic event is happening again, often with physical sensations like a racing heart or sweating.
- Recurrent, unwanted thoughts or images related to the trauma that are difficult to suppress.
- Disturbing dreams about the event, disrupting sleep and increasing anxiety.
- Experiencing intense distress or physical symptoms, such as nausea or panic, when reminded of the trauma by certain sights, sounds, smells, or situations.
- Steering clear of people, places, objects, or activities that remind them of the trauma, such as avoiding driving after a car accident.
- Suppressing thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the trauma, often leading to emotional numbing or denial.
- A persistent sense that the future is bleak or without meaning.
- Withdrawing from relationships, losing interest in hobbies or activities, and feeling emotionally numb.
- Blaming oneself for the trauma or believing others are inherently untrustworthy or dangerous.
- Struggling to feel joy, love, or satisfaction, leading to an emotional void.
- A heightened sense of alertness, always on the lookout for danger.
- Overreacting to sudden noises or movements.
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to nightmares or constant worry.
- Becoming unusually angry or irritable, sometimes over minor issues.
- Trouble focusing on tasks due to intrusive thoughts or heightened anxiety.
- Experiencing tension, headaches, rapid heartbeat, or gastrointestinal upset as a result of chronic stress.
Causes of PTSD
PTSD is triggered by exposure to traumatic events. Risk factors include:
- Experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events.
- A history of trauma or abuse.
- Genetic predisposition or existing mental health conditions.
- Lack of support after a traumatic experience.
Schedule a Telehealth with an Experienced Psychiatrist
Why Choose Altitude Mind Clinic?
Our psychiatrists specialise in managing a range of complex mental health conditions, but more than that, we prioritise the wellbeing of each patient. With Altitude Mind Clinic, you receive the support you deserve to become a better version of yourself and overcome your mental health challenges.
take the first step towards finding focus and peace in your everyday life.
