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The outpatient Mood Disorders Clinic, located in the Detwiller Pavilion of UBC Hospital, has two major programs: the BC Credit Union Centre of Excellence for Depression Research and Care, and the Bipolar Disorders Program. These function primarily as consultation clinics, in which patients receive careful assessment, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. Referrals to the centre are made by Family Physicians or Psychiatrists.
Consultation Clinic
The assessment clinic primarily provides one-time consultations for patients with mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) that have diagnostic issues/problems, poor responses to treatment, and/or complex management issues. Within the clinic, there are specialized programs for patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD, or winter depression) and those with bipolar disorder. Clinic psychiatrists have particular expertise in medication management and other biological treatments (e.g., light therapy, electroconvulsive therapy).
The clinic is able to provide short-term follow-up (2-3 months) only for a limited number of patients, primarily in clinical research protocols, but periodic re-assessment is available. Individual counseling or psychotherapy is not offered, although referrals may be suggested.
First-Episode Mania Program
An innovative clinical program offered by the Mood Disorders Centre addresses an underserved population – those patients who have recently had their first manic episode and a new diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The Systematic Treatment Optimization Program in Early Mania (STOP-EM) will provide early and accurate identification and diagnosis, using comprehensive clinical assessment as well as neuropsychology and neuroimaging approaches. Treatment will include medication and psychosocial therapies.
“Patients, especially young adults, with bipolar disorder often suffer for years without correct diagnosis or treatment. We want to increase chances of improvement and recovery by diagnosing and treating individuals soon after their first manic episode,” says UBC professor of psychiatry Dr. Lakshmi Yatham, director of the program and a world leader in treatment of bipolar disorder.
Patients aged 14 and older with a current or recent first manic episode can be referred to the program for assessment, treatment and optional participation in the research component of STOP-EM. Researchers will assess social and intellectual functioning, brain structure and chemistry and provide genetic testing.
Outpatient ECT Program
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), despite its negative depiction in the popular media, is a safe, painless and effective treatment for patients with mood disorders that have not responded to standard treatments such as psychotherapy and medications. The Mood Disorders Centre offers ECT to selected outpatients who do not require hospitalization.