คลินิกสุขภาพจิต – Bangkok Hospital Ratchasima

Mental Health Clinic

Good health starts with a healthy mind. Bangkok Hospital Ratchasima ‘s Mental Health Clinic focuses on diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating mental health based on Recovery Oriented Services (ROS). With a variety of treatment processes and activities, we aim to help patients recognize their self-worth and actively participate in the therapy process, which is suitable to the needs and potential of each patient. This ensures balanced care for both physical and mental health.

Nowadays, 1 in 5 Thai citizens suffer from mental distress and do not know who to rely on. Do you know any of these individuals?

Those suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder.
Those trying to solve life problems with alcohol or substance abuse.
Those needing encouragement to fight physical illnesses.
Those starting to doubt their self-worth and searching for happiness and success in life.
Those facing life’s disappointments, stress, or ending relationships.

The Mental Health clinic aims to provide balanced care for both physical and mental health. This includes psychiatric patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts, and those seeking to quit alcohol or substance abuse. The care extends to those with physical health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer, who are at risk of depression or have behaviors that hinder physical treatment, such as drinking alcohol or smoking. Both patients and caregivers need to receive mental health care alongside physical health care.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses these days. Without proper treatment, it can lead to death, causing significant emotional distress to those around the affected person.

Depression can affect anyone, from children to the elderly. It can be caused by various internal factors, such as chemical imbalances in the brain, genetic factors, coping problems, strong mind and/or external factors like the loss or lack of support from surrounding people.

Symptoms of Depression :

If the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it may indicate depression:

Feeling sad or low all day. Children and teenagers may feel irritable.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed.
Loss of appetite or have more appetite than usual.
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping).
Restlessness or feeling slowed down.
Fatigue or loss of energy.
Feelings of worthlessness.
Loss of concentration and be absent-minded more often.
Have thoughts of death.

If 5 of these symptoms are observed, seek consultation with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, for further evaluation and proper continuous care.

How to Support Someone with Depression :

Understand depression and its symptoms.
Approach the person and talk to them, encouraging them to share their feelings.
Avoid using harsh or critical language.
Encourage and give compliments.
If those around you seem to be more depressed than usual and talk like giving eulogy, talk to them and take them to the hospital.

Depression

Depression is an emotional disorder that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It is characterized by a persistent state of sadness and a lack of interest in activities, impacting the ability to perform daily tasks. This can lead to a variety of psychological symptoms and make it difficult to carry on with normal life or feel that life is worthless. Depression is not simply a temporary state of feeling unwell that can be easily shaken off. Patients with depression require ongoing and prolonged treatment, which can sometimes cause patients to feel discouraged. Treatments such as medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both can help most patients improve their condition.

Symptoms of Depression.

Feeling sad, gloomy, irritable, or anxious (Some may be easily irritated or quick to anger.)
Lack of interest in the environment or activities that were once enjoyable; inability to find pleasure in anything.
Significant weight loss or gain; changes in appetite.
Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
Constant tiredness, lack of energy, or physical weakness.
Feeling restless or unwilling to engage in any activities.
Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide; having plans to harm oneself.

If you suspect that you or someone around you might have depression, observe yourself or those around you. If at least 5 of these symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, you might be experiencing “depression.”

Treatment

Psychological Treatment for Depression There are several psychological treatment methods available for helping individuals with depression. One approach involves “talk therapy” with a psychiatrist, which may take 10 to 20 sessions. This helps patients understand the underlying causes of their issues and leads to problem-solving by changing their perspectives with the doctor. Behavioral therapy helps patients learn how to derive satisfaction or happiness from their actions and find ways to stop behaviors that may contribute to their depression.
Medication for Depression Antidepressant medications work by balancing chemical levels in the brain, directly treating the illness rather than just causing drowsiness, as some people mistakenly believe. Most patients often want to stop taking medication sooner than recommended. It is crucial to continue taking the medication until the doctor advises otherwise, even if you feel better. Some medications need to be gradually tapered to allow the body to adjust. There is no need to worry about addiction to antidepressants; however, as with other treatments, the doctor may monitor medication levels and symptoms periodically.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can affect various aspects of life, including work, study, and social interactions. Examples include social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As these are mental health conditions, they can be very detrimental if left untreated. Proper and appropriate treatment can help individuals return to a normal life.

Symptoms Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common form of anxiety where the worries are about everyday issues. Although it may not be immediately dangerous, if left untreated, it can have negative effects on the body. Prolonged anxiety can lead to insufficient rest and feelings of exhaustion.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) : This form of anxiety disorder involves persistent and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Patients may repeatedly perform certain actions or rituals out of worry until they feel a sense of certainty.

Panic Disorder : This type of anxiety disorder significantly affects the patient’s emotions. Individuals experience intense anxiety and discomfort about their surroundings without a clear cause. Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, and palpitations.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) : PTSD occurs after experiencing a traumatic or distressing event. It affects the individual’s mental state, causing persistent fear and anxiety as if the traumatic event might happen again. Symptoms include excessive fear, paranoia, and a heightened startle response.

Specific phobia is an intense and clear fear of a specific object or situation, such as fear of blood or certain animals. The symptoms typically involve avoiding and immediately fleeing from encountering the feared object.

Treatment for anxiety disorders

Medication: Medications can help control and alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Psychotherapy: This involves receiving guidance and counseling from specialists to learn problem-solving skills for managing anxiety and ultimately overcoming it.
Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies: This includes engaging in alternative activities to distract from anxiety, practicing meditation to relax the mind, and adjusting thought patterns to view anxiety-provoking situations in a less negative light. Facing fears and gradually challenging them can also be effective strategies.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and periods of elevated or excessively irritable mood (mania). These mood changes can last for weeks or months, with normal mood periods in between. Patients often seek medical help for depressive symptoms and may mistakenly believe they only have depression. However, doctors will take a detailed history and monitor symptoms during treatment to diagnose and differentiate the condition.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic or Hypomanic Episodes:

Increased self-confidence or feeling grandiose
Reduced need for sleep
Talking more than usual
Racing thoughts
Easily distracted
A desire to engage in multiple activities at once
Excessive involvement in risky activities, such as overspending, excessive investing, or impulsive sexual behavior

Depressive Episodes:

Persistent sadness all day, nearly every day
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Changes in appetite, either eating too little or too much
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or sleeping excessively
Increased restlessness or lethargy
Fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Persistent thoughts of death

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Medication
Psychotherapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common issue affecting people of all ages. Studies show that 30-35% of adults experience insomnia, with a higher prevalence in the elderly and those with physical or mental health conditions. Individuals with insomnia struggle to sleep despite having adequate opportunity to do so. The effects of insomnia include fatigue, headaches, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function, which can impact decision-making and performance during the day.

Symptoms of Insomnia

Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating or changes in memory
Reduced work performance
Irritability and restlessness
Daytime drowsiness
Lack of energy and vitality
Risk of accidents
Worry about sleep problems

Factors Contributing to Insomnia

Stress
Sleep Disorders, conditions like Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Physical Health Issues: Pain, fatigue, acid reflux, and mobility issues, especially in the elderly, pregnancy and menopause also impact sleep.
Mental Health Conditions: Depression and anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns.
Psychophysiological Insomnia: Worrying about sleep problems can lead to increased alertness, making it harder to fall asleep.
Medication and Substances: Some medications, such as cold remedies, pseudoephedrine, weight loss pills, asthma medications, antidepressants, and stimulants like methylphenidate, can affect sleep. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can also disrupt sleep.
Environmental Factors: Noise, light disturbances, and inappropriate room temperature.
Shift Work

Treatment