Adolescents

The primary aim of the Adolescent Unit is to provide a safe and structured environment in which the young person can be thoroughly evaluated and a successful therapeutic programme provided. The intention is to enable a quick recovery from crisis and an early return to optimum functioning within the family, social and educational milieu.

Our admission policy for young people focuses on the assessment and treatment of emotional disorders and early onset psychotic disorders in post-pubescent young people. 

Among the orders treated are:
> anxiety disorders
> mood disorders
> eating disorders
> Schizophrenia

The Unit has established itself as a national centre of excellence for this highly specialised area of psychiatry.

Treatment Programme

The focus of the treatment programme is to work with young people and their families to understand the nature of problems and identify clear goals for treatment and recovery. An individual treatment plan is designed, based on the comprehensive assessment of the young person's behaviour, cognitive ability, personality development, social skills as well as physical and mental state.

The social system in which the young person operates, especially the family and school, are recognised as most important factors in the design of the treatment programme.

A multidisciplinary team approach has been found to be the most effective treatment model. This model promotes the involvement of psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists, all of whom have a special interest and expertise in adolescent psychiatry.

Individual counselling, behaviour therapy, family therapy and psycho-dynamic therapy are used as part of the treatment programme. With more severe psychiatric disorders, medical staff draw on their experience and expertise to prescribe appropriate medication to help recovery.