— REASONS FOR CONSULTATION

Reasons for consultation and specialities

In our center we have gathered a great deal of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent reasons for consultation, such as depressive disorders, anxiety, all kinds of fears and phobias, as well as relationship or problems with a partner. These disorders, which are very frequent in the general population and generate important limitations, often require an adequate assessment and a specific approach to solve them satisfactorily. Our aim is to strive for an optimal recovery of each patient.

We also act as a reference center to offer second diagnostic and therapeutic opinions for all types of disorders, or for those patients with complex pathologies who have not responded adequately to previous treatments.

Our vision of medicine and the treatment of mental disorders involves teamwork. A first-rate treatment implies that professionals must communicate with each other to develop a 360-degree view of the patient.

Anxiety

Anxiety, in its different manifestations (anticipatory anxiety, exaggerated suffering, agoraphobia, apprehension, hypochondriasis, panic attacks, …) is a very frequent reason for consultation, perhaps due to the hectic pace of life and the uncertainties that surround us.

Nowadays we have very effective therapies to help to control these manifestations and to recover the tranquility and the emotional well-being.

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

It is the most frequent disorder of neurobiological origin in childhood and adolescence. Although on many occasions the problem is resolved at the beginning of adulthood, many adults continue to manifest symptoms.

It is necessary to make a good diagnosis and analyze the patient’s personal context to tailor the optimal therapeutic approach.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder and cyclothymia are illnesses in which the mood oscillates, with periods of excessive well-being and others of profound sadness.

The mood becomes very unstable, with frequent oscillations. Their correct treatment depends on an individualized assessment that allows for the establishment of a medium to long-term therapeutic strategy to achieve lasting mood stability.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

This is a very common disorder in which the patient can present obsessive thoughts as well as compulsive behaviors or repetitive acts, which can cause serious discomfort and suffering.

The disorder often starts in childhood-adolescence and it may take years before help is sought. An early and accurate diagnosis helps to avoid the progression of the disease and to control the very disruptive and distressing phenomena it causes.

Depression

Symptoms such as sadness, feelings of helplessness, worthlessness or hopelessness may be due to a depressive disorder. Depression is an illness that can be very serious, and can cause enormous suffering and discomfort, which can be very disabling and devastating. Few illnesses cause the same degree of suffering.

A correct evaluation allows to establish an accurate diagnosis and to initiate the most correct approach. Fortunately, it is a disorder that responds very well to treatment, making full recovery possible.

Psychosomatic disorders

There are times when we experience disorders and bodily imbalances that are difficult to diagnose and treat, causing patients to seek help among different doctors. Alterations of the digestive rhythm, irritable colon, diarrhea, skin or hair alterations, headaches, feelings of instability, dizziness, tinnitus, or chronic pain are examples of manifestations that often materialize in a neurovegetative dysfunction.

The correct evaluation of these symptoms from a holistic approach is the first step to find the optimal solution.

Stress and post-traumatic disorder

Stress refers to the unjustified or exaggerated presence of body reactions that are otherwise designed to help us endure difficult or demanding situations. The complexity and difficulties of today’s life, work overload and burnout, economic and relationship worries make resilience more and more difficult. To deal with it, you need to learn to use the appropriate psychological skills and tools.

Trauma psychotherapy helps in understanding experiences that lay the foundation for disproportionate emotional and physical reactions; also, to improve self-esteem and change negative coping mechanisms, such as substance or food abuse.

Neurology

Sometimes neurological and psychiatric pathology can coexist or be difficult to differentiate. A proper diagnosis and an individualized assessment are crucial to address the problem properly. Sometimes symptoms are typical of normal aging and sometimes they constitute processes of degenerative characteristics.

In the center we offer both second neurological opinions and continuous follow-up of patients with alterations of cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, tremors, or general neurological pathology.

Conflicts and communication problems in the couple and the family

Couple and family psychotherapy helps to accept disagreements and conflicts as part of the relationship that help us grow and to practice effective communication patterns and conflict management.

Couples face enormous relationship stability challenges, yet we all recognize the importance and necessity of maintaining, nurturing, and growing with a stable loving partner.

In the event of a couple’s breakup, mediation offers the opportunity to prevent future conflict and avoid court litigation by agreeing on a parenting and financial plan, preserving children from conflict.

Well-being of women

Hormonal changes, psychosocial determinants and other conditioning factors can make women more vulnerable to suffering alterations in their mental health or sexuality.

We accompany and treat women in the different stages of their lives, taking into account that mental disorders in women may present themselves differently and require specific treatment.

Emotional discomfort and difficulties in coping with life problems

Psychology and Psychotherapy offer an opportunity to solve those vital problems that overcome us, as well as to develop skills and acquire tools to have a more positive outlook to face new life situations after psychotherapy.

We can learn to identify feelings, use body signals, identify passive or aggressive behaviors, be more assertive, identify and communicate needs, and understand what personality styles contribute to anxiety or depression or other causes of discomfort.

Second opinions

Institut Sarró offers you the possibility of requesting a second opinion with the best psychiatrists and neurologists in Barcelona. You will have the peace of mind of having the opinion of our specialists who, due to their great experience, will help you to discern if the current diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms are the most appropriate and to evaluate possible alternatives.

Psychogeriatrics

Memory lapses, difficulty recalling words or names, loss of mental agility, attention deficits, changes in character, or behavioral disorders warrant conducting a study of memory and cognitive functions.
Different neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, can lead to these cognitive impairments. It is essential to accurately detect and diagnose these conditions, as some underlying causes may be reversible.

Early identification allows for appropriate intervention and management strategies to be implemented effectively.

An early diagnosis, utilizing neuropsychological and neuroimaging assessments of cognitive impairments, allows for appropriate intervention and management strategies to be implemented effectively to enhance the prognosis of the disorder, the patient’s quality of life, and that of their family and caregivers.

What prevents you from seeking help?

There are still many misconceptions about mental health today. Often, feelings of shame, guilt, hopelessness, or distress become a barrier to seeking professional help. You are not alone: Institut Sarró is here to help you regain the balance and well-being you need.

How do I know if I need to see a mental health professional?

Contact Institut Sarró if

You feel anxiety or sadness that prevents you from functioning normally at home, at work, or at school.
You have people around you who tell you they are worried about your emotional state or behavior.
You abuse alcohol or drugs.
You have recurring thoughts about death or suicide.
You are afraid that you may be a danger to yourself or others.
You have obsessions, or a phobia that limits you.