Services

At the Sloane Court Clinic we treat a range of disorders and problems, many are transient and related to overwhelming life stresses. These can manifest in many ways and some are described in this page.

Stress which is either transient or continuing may manifest as a mixture of overwhelming levels of anxiety, depressive mood change, and/or excessive emotionality.

Anxiety, sometimes with panic attacks, and a degree of depression can be very intrusive both with prominent physical (or “biological”) symptoms and psychological phenomena – often severely impairing that person’s ability to carry out their daily living or working activities.

Sometimes depression is primary and the anxiety minor or non-existent. In degree it can be very variable, but almost always intrusive.

Anxiety in particular situations with associated avoidance when severe is termed phobic anxiety and is another condition managed at the clinic.

Depression can become so severe that a person becomes severely anxious and agitated, physically compromised. Preoccupied with intrusive, recurrent or irrational ideas is an uncommon but significant presentation of depression that is regularly managed.

Intrusive thoughts that come with a certain pressure and associated anxiety which are typically recognized as one’s own thoughts and which are senseless and resisted is how obsessive symptoms present. This becomes abnormal when it is handicapping and wearing for the individual and is termed obsessive disorder. It may be associated with compulsive behaviours and other manifestations.

Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, is treated at the clinic, and by associated psychiatrists specializing in this disorder.

While the view is taken that psychotic illness such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is best managed by the comprehensive multi-professional team approach exemplified by the NHS Care Programme Approach, Dr Howells has a particular interest in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of psychosis, and can advise on most aspects of its management – something that relatives and carers have found very useful to talk over with him.

Psychiatric difficulties in the elderly can be assessed and, where appropriate, referral to an appropriate colleague can be arranged.

Alcohol dependence is a condition evaluated and managed both at the clinic and with colleagues in specialist units, community based organizations such as AA, and at community and inpatient treatment centres. Dr Howells has particular expertise in the area of detoxification from alcohol dependence and a keen clinical interest in advising and managing individuals finding themselves locked into habitual drinking to ward off unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

The clinic does not have a specialist drug / addictions treatment programme, but routinely works with individuals who use drugs; drug use which often is associated with the development of psychological difficulties, sometimes exacerbating or maintaining them. In this situation advice and help is given, along with assistance to access specialist psychiatric help if this is judged necessary and appropriate.

Eating disorders are presently not treated at the clinic except where incidental to another presentation. Advice on eating difficulties can be provided and referral to colleagues specializing in this area arranged.

Advice can be given to parents of children and adolescents, and assistance with referral on to colleagues in child and adolescent psychiatry, or to child and adolescent psychologists.

Relationships and marital problems are routinely managed at the Sloane Court Clinic.

Healthy emotional regulation and the development of effective coping strategies is a particular interest of clinical psychologists attached to the clinic working with people suffering from stress. It constitutes a significant part of our routine work and the sorts of psychotherapeutic approaches are introduced in the psychology pages.

Character difficulties, conduct and behavioural problems, and personality disorders are managed at the clinic using a range of psychological therapies.

Post traumatic stress disorder is a condition now routinely managed by colleagues associated with the Sloane Court Clinic. Our expertise extends to victims of sexual assault.

Cognitive impairment and neuropsychological evaluation are undertaken at the clinic, along with clinical colleagues from the disciplines of neuropsychology and old age psychiatry.

Adult attention deficit disorder and ADHD are not presently treated at the clinic but initial assessments can be made with a view to referral to colleagues with whom we work who are active in this growing area of clinical practice.

Liaison with physicians – rheumatologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, dermatologists, and other physicians, as well as with surgeons – is well established at the Sloane Court Clinic. We are keen to develop working relationships with physicians from all fields of medicine and surgery, both to assist with the psychiatric assessment and treatment of medical and surgical patients, but to develop our referral base for referring our patients with medical or surgical problems. We are able to provide initial telephone advice on cases prior to possible referral.

Occupational health assessments, treatment, reports and advice. The clinic has close working relationships with occupational health doctors and continues to develop this aspect of its work. Dr Howells and colleagues are available to give advice to occupational health physicians prior to possible referrals and welcomes the development of close working relationships. The clinic is able to customize services to the needs of companies and other organizations.

Students are frequently seen at the clinic and the clinic has developed and continues to develop close working relationships with student health departments of universities. Dr Howells and colleagues are able to visit student health units to give advice and can lecture to counselling staff groups on relevant topics.

General Practitioners and family doctors are encouraged to visit the clinic and develop close working practices. We welcome feedback from general practitioners on the type of service that is most useful to their patients. Dr Howells and colleagues are pleased to give telephone advice on possible referrals or on clinical management issues.