How we treat
Medicine, therapy and lifestyle, combined in the way that suits you. You are part of every decision.
medications, lifestyle and family.
Recovery rests on three supports. Medications help when they are needed. Changes in sleep, movement and daily rhythm build steadiness. And family, with your consent, can understand what you are going through and support you. Care at ARTH sits where all three meet, in the proportion that is right for you.
Careful assessment first
Every plan starts with understanding the whole person: symptoms, history, physical health, life circumstances and what matters to you. Where useful, I may suggest blood tests, an ECG, or standard questionnaires to measure severity and track progress.
When medicines are recommended, how they are chosen
Medicines are suggested only when they are likely to help, for example when symptoms are moderate to severe, are affecting daily life, or have not improved with other measures. The choice is guided by established clinical guidelines and your individual situation:
- your symptoms and diagnosis,
- your age, physical health and other medicines (to avoid interactions),
- how you or family members have responded to medicines before,
- likely side effects and which ones matter most to you (for example sleep, weight or energy),
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans for pregnancy,
- cost and availability (medicines are prescribed by their generic names).
The principles: start low and go slow, change one thing at a time, and use the smallest effective dose for the right length of time.
How each medicine is explained to you
Before you start, you will know:
- What it is for and how it helps.
- When to expect benefit. Many medicines for depression and anxiety take 2–6 weeks for their full effect, while sleep often improves sooner.
- Common side effects. These are usually mild and settle in the first 1–2 weeks. You will know what to do if they happen.
- Warning signs that need a call to the clinic.
- How long to continue, and why stopping suddenly is unsafe. Medicines are always reduced gradually, under guidance.
- Whether it can be habit-forming. Most commonly used antidepressants are not. Where a medicine can cause dependence, such as some sleep or anxiety tablets, it is used only short-term, and this is explained clearly.
If medicines are needed, what we do alongside them
- Regular follow-up to check benefit and side effects, adjusting the dose only when needed.
- Monitoring where appropriate, for example blood tests for certain mood stabilisers, or weight, blood sugar and lipids for some medicines.
- Continuing counselling and lifestyle support, because medicines work best as part of a wider plan.
- Involving family, with your consent, so they can support you.
When medicines are not needed: non-medicine care
Many people improve without medicines. Depending on your needs, the plan may include:
- Counselling and psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), supportive therapy, problem-solving therapy, couples and family therapy, and parenting guidance for children’s concerns.
- Sleep: a regular sleep–wake time, a wind-down routine, and less screen use and caffeine in the evening.
- Movement: regular physical activity, for example 30 minutes of brisk walking on most days.
- Daily rhythm: regular meals, daylight and a simple daily structure.
- Alcohol and substances: honest support to cut down or stop.
- Connection: time with people you trust, and meaningful activities.
- Skills: breathing, grounding, relaxation and emotional regulation. See the Calm Tools.
Reviewing progress
Progress is measured together at each visit, and the plan evolves as you improve, including when and how to reduce medicines safely.