Generalised anxiety disorder
Excessive and inappropriate worrying that is persistent, lasting more than a few months, and not restricted to particular circumstances.
Understanding mental health
Conditions deserve
care
Information about some of the conditions Dr Ghosh assesses and treats, and how a thorough assessment can help shape the right management plan.
Discuss your concerns →
Dr Soumya GhoshConsultant Psychiatrist
A starting point
Understanding
what you’re feeling
No matter what the condition is, treatment is available. A thorough assessment helps identify the condition, understand its severity and impact on day-to-day life, and develop an individualised management plan.
These pages are intended as an introduction, not a diagnosis. If you are concerned about your mental health, please contact Dr Ghosh for an appointment.
Common conditions
Anxiety
disorders
Fear is the emotional response to a real or perceived imminent threat, whereas anxiety is the anticipation of a future threat. An anxiety disorder may be diagnosed when fear and anxiety become excessive or persistent, are inappropriate for the situation, cause significant distress, impair function or reduce quality of life.
Anxiety disorders can become worse if not treated, but effective treatments are available. Some common anxiety disorders include:
Generalised anxiety disorderPanic disorderPTSDComplex PTSDOCDSocial anxiety disorderSpecific phobias
Panic disorder
Recurrent, unexpected surges of severe anxiety—panic attacks—that reach a peak within minutes, with varying degrees of anticipatory anxiety between attacks. Many people develop a fear of having further attacks.
Social anxiety disorder
A marked, persistent and unreasonable fear of being observed or evaluated negatively by other people in social or performance situations. These situations may be avoided or endured with significant distress.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Lasting, disabling symptoms following exposure to trauma, serious injury or threats, often with an initial response of intense fear, helplessness or horror.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessions are recurrent, unwanted thoughts, images or urges. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts a person feels driven to perform. Symptoms can be distressing, time-consuming and interfere with social and occupational function.
Specific phobia
An excessive or unreasonable fear restricted to a particular person, animal, object or situation—such as dentists, spiders, lifts, flying or seeing blood.
Mood & emotion
Mood
disorders
The two most common types are depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder, sometimes called manic depression. Dr Ghosh provides thorough assessment and an individualised treatment plan based on current evidence and the person’s needs.
Depressive disorder
Symptoms may include a sad, empty or irritable mood, lack of pleasure or interest, low energy, loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep disturbance, poor concentration and recurrent thoughts of death. If symptoms last for two weeks or more, a thorough assessment is required. Some people can experience psychotic symptoms.
Types can include
Major depressive episode
Symptoms causing distress and impairment across a range of settings.
DysthymiaDepressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years.
Seasonal affective disorderRecurring depressive episodes which follow a seasonal pattern.
Depression with peripartum onsetDepression beginning during pregnancy or after delivery. Postpartum psychosis is rare but requires urgent assessment and treatment.
Depressive disorder due to a medical conditionDepression associated with a physical health condition, which can interfere with recovery.
Bipolar affective disorder
Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode; major depressive episodes are common. Bipolar II disorder involves at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, without a history of mania. Cyclothymia involves numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms over at least two years that do not meet criteria for major depression.
Manic episode
A distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive or irritable mood and increased activity or energy, lasting at least one week and causing marked impairment. Many people can experience psychotic symptoms.
Hypomanic episodeSimilar symptoms, lasting at least four consecutive days, but without the marked functional impairment of a manic episode.
Psychotic conditions
Schizophrenia
& psychosis
Schizophrenia affects how a person acts, thinks and sees the world. It can involve an altered perception of reality and a significant loss of contact with reality. People from all walks of life and social backgrounds can experience it.
There are other psychotic conditions, including delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder and drug-induced psychosis. It is important to identify signs and symptoms and seek help without delay. With the right treatment and support, schizophrenia can be successfully managed and a person can lead a fulfilling life. Continuing treatment is key.
Contact Dr Ghosh about an assessment → Neurodevelopment
Adult
ADHD
A significant number of adults have ADHD without a diagnosis. Symptoms can continue from childhood into adult life and may affect work, education, parenting, driving, financial management and relationships.
Untreated ADHD can also be associated with smoking-related disorders, serious accidents, alcohol and drug misuse, and difficulties across health and social care settings. Symptoms can vary between men and women.
A thorough assessment and appropriate treatment can bring significant change to an individual’s life. Dr Ghosh has years of experience in diagnosing and managing adult ADHD.
Wider support
Other
concerns
Alcohol-related problems
Alcohol can affect physical and mental health, work, education, parenting, driving, finances and relationships. Recognising the problem and seeking help can support better mental and physical health.
Pain management
Psychiatric assessment considers the onset and intensity of pain, related stress and the effects of depression or anxiety. Addressing existing psychiatric illness may help improve pain, disability and recovery outcomes. Individual needs and preferences guide treatment. Read Dr Ghosh’s article in Active magazine.
Medical conditions with psychiatric problems
Psychiatric conditions can coexist with medical conditions, increase illness burden and delay recovery. Thorough assessment and individualised management are particularly important in complex cases.
Complex psychiatric and behavioural problems
Behavioural problems, with or without a psychiatric diagnosis, can be associated with neurodevelopmental conditions such as intellectual disability, ADHD or autism. An expert assessment can help untangle contributing factors and create an individualised plan.
When problems overlap
People may experience physical, mental or neuro-developmental health problems together, more than one mental health problem, or symptoms that have not previously met diagnostic criteria. Treatment should reflect the person’s conditions, functional ability and wishes.
Get in touch
Assessment brings
clarity
To enquire about an assessment, review, report or referral, please email or call.