Category Archives: News & updates

What are the symptoms of phobia? If you come near to, or into contact with, the feared situation you become anxious or distressed. In addition you may also have one or more unpleasant physical symptoms. These can be, for example, … Continue reading →

Schizoaffective disorder was first described in the 1930s. This psychiatric condition has features of both schizophrenia and mood disorders, eg depression. Questions have been raised about whether it truly exists as a disease entity, although the term is still in … Continue reading →

About 1 in 10 mothers develop postnatal depression. Support and understanding from family, friends, and sometimes from a professional such as a health visitor can help you to recover. Other treatment options include psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy … Continue reading →

Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat depression and some other conditions. They often take 2-4 weeks to work fully. A normal course of antidepressants lasts at least six months after symptoms have eased. Side-effects may occur, but are often minor … Continue reading →

Low mood during winter months has been noted as far back as 1845; however, it was not formally recognised as a disorder until the 1980s. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is now classified as a variant of depression, characterised by depressive … Continue reading →

Social anxiety disorder was recognised as a psychiatric entity in 1980. It is persistent fear and anxiety about one or more social or performance situations. We all have some degree of social anxiety. It may be regarding an interview or … Continue reading →

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that mainly affects behaviour. It is usually diagnosed in children but can affect adults. Symptoms include persistent restlessness, impulsiveness and/or inattention. The diagnosis is made after a detailed assessment. Treatment includes … Continue reading →

The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina and the vulva. At birth all the woman’s immature follicles lie dormant in the ovaries. No more are produced. This is an important consideration – eg, in childhood … Continue reading →

When a new drug or treatment is launched, we have to ask if it is one that we should use. Does it represent a real advance? Be aware that with new drugs, a great deal of money has already been … Continue reading →

Description Literally, agoraphobia is a “fear of open spaces”. A clinical definition is “a fear of open spaces, especially those in which getaway may be difficult, which leads to avoidance of the situation”. Being in the provoking situation usually leads … Continue reading →