General Adult Psychiatry
Oaktree Connect, here to help adults through challenges in day-to-day life
General adult psychiatry specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders in adults from 18- 65 years of age.
Psychiatrists specialised in general adult psychiatry support patients who suffer from various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. One of our patients has written a poem about schizophrenia, which you can read here.
They utilise a variety of treatment options, such as medication, psychological talking therapies and TMS, to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. To find out how the TMS process works at Oaktree, read a blog written by one of our patients here.
General adult psychiatrists work in a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
This represents the most significant population seeking mental health services for a variety of reasons outlined below:
Primarily, this age group covers most of adulthood, a phase with considerable life changes and stressors. During this time, individuals may begin careers, build relationships, and start families. These changes and stress can activate or worsen mental health disorders, increasing the likelihood of their emergence during this stage. For advice on how to deal with burnout at work, read our blog here.
Furthermore, the brain undergoes ongoing development and maturation until the mid 20s. Many mental health disorders are believed to be linked to interruptions in this developmental process. As a result, young adults may be at a heightened risk for experiencing mental health issues during this period.
Older adults may be less inclined to pursue treatment for mental health concerns because of stigma, limited access to care, or various other factors. As a result, this can result in an underrepresentation of mental health disorders within this demographic.
Care during these years is crucial to maintain personal, social and financial functioning and quality of life of the individual and their family. Oaktree Connect are here to offer a variety of assessments, treatments and support for adults. All of our general adult practitioners have years of experience working in the NHS and in the private sector.
Mental Health Statistics: MHFA England
Access to the NHS services is difficult with long waiting lists due to shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists and other resources. We endeavour to see you as soon as possible to provide the care you need. Our private psychiatrists have years of expertise in conducting comprehensive mental health assessments online and providing treatment for a wide range of disorders including ADHD, Depression, eating disorders, Anxiety disorders, Psychosis and more.
We are also able to provide second opinions over previous diagnoses and treatment, as most of our General Adult psychiatrists are senior clinicians.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders in the UK
16.6 million people are affected by mental health issues in the UK.
Prevalence of Mental Disorders in the World
1 in 4 people experience serious mental disorders each year worldwide.
Scarcity of Service Provision for Mental Disorders
Only 1 in 8 adults with a mental health problem are currently getting any kind of treatment.
General adult psychiatrists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat disorders common in people of a working age.
You can choose a date and time that suits you best with no need to wait for your assessment by an expert psychiatrist.
If you feel that attending the appointment with a family member or friend or a carer would be beneficial then you are most welcome to do so. Our psychiatrists may like to speak to a family member or close friend during an assessment to get another perspective and an objective view of the issues to reach a diagnosis.
Do I need support from a psychiatrist?
If you’re facing challenges related to mental health, it might be helpful to consult your GP or social care provider to determine if seeing a mental health professional would be beneficial. Generally, they can offer guidance on the type of support you might need.
You can also complete our OAT assessment to receive guidance on which professional would best suit your needs, helping you connect with a specific clinician in Oaktree Connect.
If you are still unsure about which clinician would be most suitable to book an appointment with, do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
Oaktree Connect Psychiatric Assessment and Treatment Process
We believe in a multi-disciplinary approach to mental health care so we have a team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists to ensure that you receive a more wholesome treatment and ongoing care, tailored to your specific needs. At Oaktree Connect, you will have a comprehensive online mental health assessment with a psychiatrist, where they will be able to make a diagnosis or get to the root of the issues you have experienced. If diagnosis of a disorder is made, they will recommend a treatment plan.
Assessment
One of our psychiatrists will conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment online using the latest evidence-based practice. Psychiatrists may ask questions about the following: issues you have been experiencing, their frequency, and home and school/ work life. Individuals below 16 years of age will need a parent or carer present during part of the appointment. For more information, see our CAMHS services.
Diagnosis
The practitioner makes a diagnosis using various methods, including psychological questionnaires and diagnostic criteria set out by the International Coding systems. If your practitioner diagnoses you, they will explain its meaning and implications with you in detail and are able to answer questions you may have about why they made that diagnosis. If your practitioner gives you a diagnosis, they will explain its meaning and implications with you in detail and are able to answer questions you may have about why they made that diagnosis.Investigations
The practitioner makes a diagnosis using various methods after the psychiatric assessment online, including psychological questionnaires and diagnostic criteria set out by the International Coding systems. If your practitioner diagnoses you, they will explain its meaning and implications with you in detail and are able to answer questions you may have about why they made that diagnosis. Blood tests provide information as to how your organs are working and your blood sugar levels, for example. They are usually carried out before commencing medication to ensure that there are no issues with vital organs, which could worsen with the medication. An MRI may be carried out to look at the way your brain is functioning.Treatment
The psychiatrist may prescribe medication or recommend talking therapies with a clinical psychologist or therapist. A referral may allow you to access resources that a psychiatrist cannot provide you with. The frequency and duration of each appointment with a psychiatrist is tailored to your needs and depends on your circumstances, diagnosis, and treatment mode.Referral
Following on from the completion of your assessment, you will receive a report from the clinician within 7-10 working days. The report is likely to include many aspects discussed during the assessment and will conclude with the diagnosis and treatment plan (if they were given). With your consent, the report can be shared with your GP. Your practitioner may also refer you to a clinician with different expertise, if required.Ongoing care
After your diagnosis and initial treatment, your clinician will ensure that you have the right level of support in the community, at home, and in day-to-day life. This may be through follow-up appointments, which allow your practitioner to assess your progress and make changes to your treatment plan, if needed. They may also signpost you to other organisations, including charities that offer educational and career advice, or that support carers.Our Services
At Oaktree Connect, we offer a wide range of psychiatric assessments online and treatments for several disorders. See below for information about specific disorders and their assessments.
Some of the disorders our clinicians are trained to assess in adults are depression, anxiety, and ADHD. These are likely to present during adulthood but often present in childhood or adolescence.Our experienced general adult mental health team will help if you or a loved one is suffering from one or more of the following disorders.
The disorders listed below are not an exhaustive list that our clinicians are able to assess and treat. If what you are looking for is not shown above, contact us and we will respond to your enquiry within one working day.
Our psychologists also provide treatment for psychological issues common in young people, such as anger issues, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, for instance.
