Pharmacotherapy (Medication)

Psychiatrists at Eastern Suburbs Psychiatry provide medication assessment for a range of psychiatric conditions. This may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilisers, antipsychotic medications and stimulants, depending on the patient’s diagnosis, clinical history and treatment goals.

Medication recommendations are made following a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. The expected benefits, potential side effects, risks, contraindication and monitoring requirements are discussed with the patients as part of treatment planning.

Some medications may have an early effect, while others may take several weeks to reach therapeutic benefit. Treatment plans are reviewed over time and adjusted according to clinical response, tolerability and patient preference.

Patients are advised not to cease prescribed psychiatric medication abruptly without medical guidance, as this may increase the risk of withdrawal side effects, symptom relapse or other complications.

• Consultations are by appointment only.
• Valid referrals from a medical practitioner are required.
• Fees are rebated through Medicare for eligible patients.
• An initial three-sessions of history taking and assessment precede any diagnosis and medication prescription. The risk-benefit profile of any medication prescribed will be discussed and agreed upon.
• The terms of the psychotherapy process will be discussed and agreed upon.
• Medication follow-up appointments are scheduled on an as-needed basis. These may be weekly, fortnightly, or on a 3 to 6 monthly basis, as required.