Stress Service

Introduction:
The Sloane Court Clinic has psychiatrists and clinical psychologists with particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of adult individuals who experience stress. We routinely conduct assessments and manage the treatment of stress related syndromes, such as anxiety disorder, depression, adjustment disorder, acute stress reactions and post traumatic stress disorder.

Service Objective:
There are times when we can all feel stressed at work or in our personal lives. Alternatively, an event occurs, such as an accident or assault, which results in our normal coping mechanisms feeling overwhelmed. Both scenarios can lead to significant psychological symptoms and an interference with day-to-day activities. The Stress Service at Sloane Court Clinic offers a consultant led diagnostic and treatment service for stress-related problems, using a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Patients are seen quickly and treatment interventions are focused and usually short term. A holistic approach is adopted and, if appropriate, family members can be seen. We offer combined medical and psychological interventions in line with NICE guidelines.

Types of problem managed: 
Stress arising from any source, including work, college, home life and relationships | Symptoms of stress, both physical (palpitations, muscle tension, upset tummy, headache, dizziness etc) and psychological (worry, poor concentration, sleep disturbance, hypochondriacal concerns, irritability, poor concentration, loss of libido, deteriorating performance at work etc) | acute stress reactions | post traumatic stress disorder | self medication with alcohol or drugs | low self esteem | poor coping skills | associated conditions such as depression, phobias, obsessional behaviour | relationship problems | adjustment disorders

The Service:
Assessment and formulation – a comprehensive assessment is completed over one to two sessions by a consultant psychiatrist, resulting in a diagnostic formulation and an agreed care plan | rating scales and other assessments are completed if necessary | organic factors are assessed by review of medical history, blood tests or other investigations | patients are encouraged to be active participants in the assessment and treatment process

Treatment – counselling and psycho-education, with advice on relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene and coping strategies | specific treatment techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitation and reprocessing (EMDR), narrative exposure therapy or compassionate mind training | implementation and maintenance of medication, if required | treatment of co-morbid conditions | couple therapy | longer term, psychodynamic therapy, if indicated | advice to general consultants or GP’s on ongoing management | second opinions | medico-legal work

Staff:
The Stress Service is lead by Dr Ronan McIvor, consultant psychiatrist, in conjunction with Dr Alison Hauenstein Swan, clinical psychologist and other colleagues. Dr McIvor has a special interest in psychological reactions to stress and trauma, and worked for 8 years at the Traumatic Stress Service at the Maudsley Hospital. He has also carried out research into post traumatic stress disorder, leading to publication in medical journals. Dr Hauenstein Swan works at the Institute of Psychotrauma at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. She has a special interest in psycho-social approaches to managing adverse life events.

Both clinicians have specific training in psychotherapeutic techniques, including CBT, EMDR and narrative exposure therapy. Dr McIvor is also skilled in the medication management of such conditions.

Contact and Appointments:
Referrals may be made by general practitioners, physicians, surgeons or consultant psychiatrists, by letter, email, our Contact Form, or through the general Sloane Court Clinic phone numbers, requesting the “Stress Service”.

Patients are requested to seek referral through their GP, or consultant.

 

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