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Oaktree rTMS & GMC Workshop with Royal College of Psychiatrists, 9th June 2017

Post author By Dr Meetu Singh
Post date 04/05/2017

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment for adult patients with Clinical Depression and many other psychiatric disorders. It is effective, pain free and with few or no side effects. NICE has recently approved magnetic treatment for depression and is gaining in popularity in USA, Australia and the rest of Europe but not so much in the UK. This is a grand step towards neuromodulation and physical interventions in clinical mainstream psychiatry.

We have organised a workshop where professionals could not only refresh their knowledge about the latest research about efficacy of rTMS but also about the practicalities of working with the TMS equipment. The workshop is relevant for GPs, Psychiatrists, nurses and other mental health professionals who would like to know more about this groundbreaking and effective treatment. It is in collaboration with the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The programme is as follows:

Â 09.15 â€“ 10.15 â€“ Overview of GMC complaints data and investigation process

10.15 â€“ 11.15 â€“ Revalidation update and reflection in the appraisal process

11.15 â€“ 12.00 â€“ Responding to complaints/the professional duty of candour 12.00- 12.45- Lunch

12.45- 1.30– Practicalities of rTMS treatment, Mr Andy Dixon, Technical representative from TMS equipment manufacturers

1.30- 2.15– Mechanism of Action of rTMS, Dr Meetu Singh, General Adult Psychiatrist & Director, Oaktree Clinic

2.15- 3.15– Research Evidence of efficacy of rTMS in depression and anxiety disorders, Dr Alex Kerr O’ Neill, Medical Director, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHSFT

3.15- 3.30- Tea and refreshments

3.30- 4.15– Evidence for efficacy of rTMS in Pain, Parkinson’s, Eating Disorders, TBA

4.15. 4.30– Conclusion and Discussion

We will have parking at the back of the building and will provide lunch & refreshments. The cost is Â£75 which includes lunch and refreshments. Parking is available at the back of the building. To book your place, contact Dawn Luck on 0121 314 0330 or by email: admin@oaktreeclinicmidlands.co.uk Payments Card payments can be made by calling 0121 314 0330 OR BACS payment, details below

Payment reference: rTMS workshop Account name: The Oaktree Clinic Account: 11881663 Sort Code: 40-11-15

Mental Fitness: “Let Us Talk About It”

Post author By Dr Meetu Singh
Post date 19/04/2017

Mental fitness: 'Let's Talk About It'

‘1 in 4 people, like me have a mental health problem. Many more people have a problem with that.‘

Stephen Fry

I was recently asked by the Oaktree Clinic to write a blog for their page. In the midst of myriad of thoughts, the Podcast (Bryony Gordon’s: Mad World) in which Prince Harry talks about his counselling that he sought after 20 years, could not have come at a better time! Yes let’s talk about stigma in mental illness.

In the interview, the Prince, who is now 32, talks of seeking help after 20 years and especially enduring ‘total chaos’ for two years that affected both his personal and professional life. He could not be persuaded to talk of his emotions earlier by his older brother, Prince William.

He talks of his emotional state very normally and openly. The big question is: why it took him so long to seek help? Bryony Gordon equally makes a very powerful statement- “It is perfectly normal to be weird. Actually, it may be weirder to feel perfectly normal”.

One in four of us suffer from some sort of emotional problem at some point in life. This tells us that emotional problems are common. So why don’t we talk about it?

Mental health illnesses are a leading cause of disability. If not caught early and treated, leads to problematic interpersonal and family functioning. The life expectancy is also lowered. Aforementioned problems are preventable. However help-seeking, is either delayed or void. To nip-in-the-bud, remains a public challenge till this date.

In a recent study that reviewed most of the stigma related studies in depth. Help-seeking behaviour is found to be influenced by four types of common stigmas; perceived public stigma (perception about a person who has a mental illness endorsed collectively by members of the general population), personal stigma (personal attitude towards a stigmatised group), self-stigma (endorses stereotypes, believes to be devalued member of the society and anticipates social rejection) and attitudes towards help-seeking (self perception about need for help). You can well see how multifaceted stigma is.

The significant finding in the recent review is that the ‘attitude towards a behaviour are associated with engaging in the behaviour itself in other situation’. In other words, people with ‘personal stigma’ tend to avoid contact with stigmatised group and therefore abstain from seeking help. Other stigma that influenced negatively is ‘attitude towards help seeking’. This group believes that the battle could be won on his/her own and also has low perceived need for help. It is indeed not uncommon to find that people would recommend seeking professional help for emotional problems or may report an intention to ask help when affected by mental health problems themselves. Unfortunately when it comes to ‘walk the walk’, a considerable low proportion of people would actually ask help.

Last but not the least, we ought to encourage people to talk about emotional problems, encourage help-seeking, educate on treatment options and long-term adversaries of untreated mental health problems.
Prince Harry has made a start, kudos to the young man!

I look forward to 9 more Podcasts in which Bryony Gordon would talk to high profile people, who would talk about their mental health issues.

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Author: Dr Kavita Das

Dr Das is a Consultant Psychiatrist with experience in assessing and treating the whole range of mental health & psychological issues in older adults. She works within the NHS and Private sector. Dr Das has special interest in treating memory problems (Adults of all ages), Alcohol & Substance Misuse in Older People and Physical & Mental Health issues in Older People with forensic history.

Contact:

Email – contact@oaktreeconnect.co.uk

Telephone – 020 39277699

How to Combat Work-Related Stress

Post author By Dr Meetu Singh
Post date 04/04/2017

A stressed business woman looks tired she answer telephones in her office

How to Combat Work-Related Stress

According to the Health & Safety Executive 2013/14, in the UK 40% of workforce reported work-related stress. 1 in 5 visits to GPs are related to stress.

What causes this stress, I hear you ask? From research, heavy demand, lack of control over work, low level of support from colleagues and management, bullying and harassment, constant change, are the culprits. You know you are stressed when you start worrying about work at home, dread going to work, lose sleep, and become increasingly short tempered.

Here are some recognised Stress Busters to help you combat the strains of work-related stress:

Recognise signs early
Don’t bring work home
Learn to say no.
Always take breaks.
A few minutes of exercise every day goes a long way.
Speak to your supervisor; employers have a duty of care.
Create a network of support: family, friends & colleagues
Get involved in activities you enjoy outside work, ex: hobbies, voluntary work, learning new skills, something positive to cherish.
Avoid smoking/drinking excessively to cope. Alcohol worsens low mood.
Use time management strategies to work efficiently.
Accept things you cannot change, like a full in-tray, irrespective of how hard you work.
Learn Relaxation Techniques. Meditation & Yoga can help.
Contact your occupational health department, they may be able to access professional counseling for you.
Attack the root cause. Ask questions like: Do I like my job? Could I be better somewhere else?

If all above fails then seek professional mental health advice. Depression and anxiety disorders can come in the guise of stress. These are treatable disorders, requiring assessment, treatment and support.