Adult Psychologist Brisbane

adult psychologist brisbane

Adult Psychologist Brisbane - Check Availability

At OnTrack Psychology Brisbane, we currently have limited availability for all psychology consultations for adults, mothers and babies, young people, adolescents, teens, and children. Contact me today for more details. I am an independent psychologist helping families, couples and adults looking for professional, thorough, kind, and caring counselling services in Brisbane to overcome common issues common issues we all often face including anxiety, depression, stress, and related issues related to professional or personal lives.

I am a Registered Psychologist located in Annerley Brisbane, providing clinically proven and evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These interventions have been extensively researched and shown to be effective over long periods of time, and backed by extensive evidence in the field of psychology.

At OnTrack psychology Brisbane, we strive to provide the highest quality evidence-based psychological support in a stress free, relaxed environment, located in Greenslopes, and close to the Brisbane CBD. Currently, due to most psychologists in Brisbane experiencing long wait periods, we have increased our operating hours and now have immediate availability. If you are experiencing problems that are impacting your life, or those of your family, friends nad loved ones, then maybe it’s time to make a change in your life. As an experienced psychologist, I can help with depression, anxiety and related conditions including stress to help you back On Track in the shortest possible timeframe.

Psychosis in Teenagers

treating psychosis teenagers brisbane

Psychosis in teenagers

It is common for teenagers and young persons to experience a wide range of mental ill health including anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Unfortunately, teenagers and young persons from approximately 12-25 years of age persons can experience psychosis. Psychosis in young persons can manifest in several ways, with First Episode Psychosis (FEP) occurring for a range of reasons including being drug induced.  As with the typical signs for anxiety and depression and other forms of mental illness in adolescence and young people, the key indicators may be missed by parents, caregivers or general practitioners or often be attributed to the normal stresses of being a teenage or young person.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis involves a disruption to a person’s ‘normal’ thought patterns and perceptions of reality that make it difficult for them to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. It is vitally important to know upfront that psychosis is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and to understand that the severity of psychosis varies from person to person and as a result of the underlying cause of the psychotic episode or ongoing event. For example, one person may have mild impairment while another struggles with activities of daily living due to persistent symptoms. It is also important to note that evidence suggests Psychosis generally stems from a range of psychiatric conditions, although it may also appear in the course of certain medical and neurological conditions. Early recognition and treatment can slow, stop, or in some cases even reverse the effects of psychosis – the key phrase being ‘early recognition’. Parents, health professionals, caregivers and even friends and educators need to be informed about what to look for as well as where to turn for professional help.

Signs of Psychosis in teenagers

Identifying when a first episode of psychosis begins can be difficult. However, the following signs and symptoms may indicate an episode of psychosis:

  1. Hearing, seeing, tasting or believing things that others people don’t.
  2. Persistent and unusual thoughts or beliefs that can’t be set aside regardless of what friends or family believe or communicate.
  3. Strong, inappropriate and unusual emotions that are unusual or out of context or no emotions at all.
  4. Withdrawing from family or friends – not wanting to go to school or participate in activities normally found pleasurable.
  5. A sudden decline in self-care that is completely out of character.
  6. Trouble thinking clearly, concentrating or communicating effectively.

Such warning signs often point to deteriorating health – if a parent or caregiver experiences or witnesses such behaviour they should immediately act upon. A physical and neurological evaluation can help find the problem but it is important to see help as soon as possible. A mental health professional performing a psychological evaluation can determine if a mental health condition is involved and discuss next steps.

Causes of psychosis

Mental Health professionals and researchers are still learning about how and why psychosis develops. However, it is commonly understood that several factors are commonly involved. We do, however, know from extensive research that teenagers and young persons are at increased risk of a first episode of psychosis due to hormonal changes in the brain during puberty.

Several factors are known to cause of contribute to early youth psychosis include:

  • Genetic predisposition. Many genes can contribute to the development of psychosis.
  • Trauma. A traumatic event such as a sudden death or sexual assault can trigger a psychotic episode.
  • Substance use or abuse: The use of marijuana, methamphetamines, and other substances can increase the risk of psychosis in people who are already vulnerable.
  • Physical illness or injury. Traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, or other neurological disorders can sometimes cause psychosis.
  • Mental health conditions. Psychosis is known to be a  symptom of conditions including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depression or depressive conditions.

Treating Psychosis in teenagers and young people.

Typically, followed a confirmed diagnosis of early psychosis the initial treatment recommended are Antipsychotic medicines. Antipsychotic drugs work by blocking the effect of dopamine, which is a chemical that transmits messages in the brain. It is important to note, however, that antipsychotic medications are not suitable, or effective, for everyone. Side effects can affect people differently – specifically and importantly antipsychotics need to be monitored closely in people who also have epilepsy, or other related neurological conditions that can cause seizures or fits. In addition, and although relatively rare in young persons under 25 years of age, people with cardiovascular disease (conditions that affect the heart, blood vessels, or circulation, such as heart disease) also must be closely monitored. Antipsychotics usually reduce feelings of anxiety and irrational and irregular thought patterns within a few hours of use, but can also take several days or weeks to reduce the psychotic symptoms being experiences, such as hallucinations or delusional thoughts.

Antipsychotics are often administered by mouth (orally) but can be given as an injection in certain circumstances. There are several slow-release antipsychotics, and that only require an injection app. every 1 to 4 weeks.

Location

location ontrack psychology brisbane

Location OnTrack Psychology Brisbane

Location

On Track Psychology is located at 55A Old Cleveland Road, Stones Corner, 4120. The office is located upstairs above Saffron Restaurant. Inside, you’ll find a peaceful, light-filled space with air-conditioning and privacy. Stones Corner is an inner-city hub with multiple health services, colourful shops, and many local cafes to enjoy.

*Please note that On Track Psychology is accessible by stairs only. If you require assistance on the stairs, please inform upon booking and assistance will be provided to you. Click here for images of OnTrack Psychology Brisbane clinic space.

Parking

There is ample on-street parking in Stones Corner. There are many 2-hour parks outside the office on Old Cleveland Rd, and residential street parking is mostly all-day. If you’re seeking undercover parking, Stones Corner Aldi Carpark (enter through Cleveland St) offers free 2-hour parking.

 Public Transport

The office is conveniently located across the road from the Stones Corner busway. It also sits on the corner of Logan Rd and Old Cleveland Rd, so you will find multiple bus routes to get to the clinic. Please see: https://translink.com.au/ to map your journey.

child psychologist brisbane

I am a qualified child and youth psychologist, specialising in helping young people and their families develop healthy positive relationships and home lives, for the benefit of all family members and friends to improve socialisation and lead a happier life.