Basic Services
Overwork, Exhaustion, and Burnout
When Demands Become Too Much Over Time
Persistent stress is one of the most common reasons people seek psychiatric help. Work demands, personal obligations, health problems, or a prolonged period of having to adapt to new circumstances can lead to a gradual loss of energy, resilience, and emotional stability.
Many people affected continue to function for a long time—often until they can't go on any longer.
When Exhaustion Just Won't Go Away
Typical signs of stress or burnout include, among others:
- persistent physical and mental exhaustion
- reduced performance and concentration
- emotional numbness or irritability
- Sleep disorders
- inner restlessness or tension
- the feeling of no longer being able to meet expectations
- a growing sense of detachment from work or important areas of life
It is not uncommon for physical symptoms to accompany these issues, such as pain, gastrointestinal problems, or frequent infections.
Burnout is not a sign of weakness
Overwork and burnout are usually not caused by “insufficient resilience,” but rather by an imbalance between demands, resources, and opportunities for rest —often over a long period of time.
Common factors that influence this are:
- significant professional responsibilities or chronic stress
- Lack of a clear boundary between work and personal life
- long-term personal stress
- Chronic diseases
- perfectionist or highly performance-oriented internal patterns
Psychiatric Evaluation and Classification
The purpose of a psychiatric evaluation is to
- to understand the current stress situation
- Distinguishing Between Overwork and Burnout and Other Mental Health Conditions
- to assess existing symptoms
- Identifying risks early on
This assessment is important for determining the appropriate next steps —medical, therapeutic, and organizational.
Treatment and Support
Psychiatric support for stress and burnout is tailored to the individual and based on the specific situation. It may include:
- structured discussions
- medication as needed
- Treatment of sleep disorders or severe inner restlessness
- Support during necessary breaks or sick leave
- Guidance on next steps, such as rehabilitation treatment at specialized centers
Long-Term Sick Leave and Navigating the Social Welfare System
In cases of severe stress or burnout, extended sick leave is not uncommon. During this phase, many affected individuals feel not only mentally and physically exhausted, but also overwhelmed by formal requirements.
Contact with:
- Employers
- Insurance
- the AMS
- or other agencies within the social welfare system
is often almost impossible to cope with when one is severely exhausted. At the same time, feelings of guilt, shame, or fear often arise—fear of being a burden to others or of not measuring up.
Support Beyond Medical Treatment
As part of our psychiatric care, we help patients to
- to realistically assess the necessary steps
- Not having to make decisions under pressure
- to communicate one's own condition to others in a way they can understand
- dealing constructively with feelings of guilt and shame
The goal here is not to “take on” problems, but rather to provide relief, structure, and guidance as long as one’s own resilience is limited.
Relief is part of the treatment
Taking a temporary break due to sick leave is not a failure; rather, it can be a necessary part of stabilization and recovery.
In this context, psychiatric support also means creating the conditions that make recovery possible in the first place.
Teamwork
Overload often affects multiple levels simultaneously—psychological, physical, and social.
For this reason, our psychiatric care is provided, as needed, in close coordination with:
- Psychotherapy
- Physical therapy, especially in cases of physical tension or exhaustion
- Nutrition Counseling When Energy Levels and Eating Habits Are Affected
Our Approach
Our goal is to take people in situations of stress seriously, to assess their situation realistically, and to guide them along a sustainable path back to greater stability.
Not everything has to be solved right away—but many things can be sorted out, made less burdensome, and changed step by step.
Anxiety and Inner Tension
Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment
Anxiety is a normal part of the human experience. However, if it becomes chronic, excessively intense, or begins to interfere with daily life, it can become a significant burden. Many people affected by anxiety report not so much specific anxious thoughts as they do persistent inner tension, physical restlessness, or the feeling that they can never truly relax.
Anxiety can develop gradually or arise suddenly—and it often manifests itself in very different ways.
How Anxiety Can Manifest Itself
Anxiety disorders can manifest in the following ways, among others:
- Constant inner tension or nervousness
- Panic attacks accompanied by a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness
- Situational anxieties (e.g., in social situations or when faced with certain demands)
- marked anxiety and brooding
- physical symptoms such as chest tightness, tremors, gastrointestinal discomfort, or muscle tension
- Avoidance behavior and increasing restrictions on daily life
When Anxiety Manifests Physically
It is not uncommon for physical symptoms to be so prominent that anxiety is not initially recognized as the cause. Many people affected have already undergone numerous medical evaluations without finding a clear organic explanation.
Common forms of physical expression include:
- Stomach discomfort, nausea, a feeling of pressure or fullness
- irritable bowel-like symptoms
- Headaches or Tension Headaches
- Neck, shoulder, or jaw tension
- Heart palpitations or a tight feeling in the chest
- Breathing problems or the feeling that you can't breathe deeply
- Sleep disorders
- rapid fatigue or restlessness
These symptoms may be a sign of a chronically activated stress and alarm system. Persistent worries, feeling overwhelmed, or inner tension keep the nervous system in a constant state of activation—even without consciously experiencing anxiety.
Psychiatric Evaluation and Classification
The purpose of a psychiatric evaluation is to
- Understanding Symptoms Related to the Body and Mind
- Assessing the nature and extent of anxiety
- Distinguishing anxiety disorders from other mental or physical illnesses
- to identify risk factors and comorbidities
- to work together to plan appropriate support
A clear diagnostic classification provides guidance and forms the basis for targeted treatment.
Treatment - Tailored to Each Individual
Treatment is tailored to the patient's symptoms, stress levels, and life circumstances. Depending on the patient's needs, the following may be used:
- structured and supportive conversations
- medication
- psychotherapeutic support
- or a combination of these approaches
The goal is not to suppress anxiety, but to achieve lasting stability and better self-regulation.
The Body as Part of the Treatment
Anxiety is always a physical reaction as well. Many people who experience anxiety feel as though their bodies are tense or constantly “on high alert.”
Body-oriented therapy is therefore an important part of the treatment. In collaboration with physical therapy, we help to
- Promoting inner peace through breathing exercises
- Recognizing and Regulating Tension
- to reduce physical stress responses
- Regaining Trust in One's Own Bodily Regulation
This results in a holistic treatment that addresses anxiety not only mentally but also physically.
Our Approach
We take anxiety seriously without dramatizing it. The goal is to help people understand the underlying causes and develop effective coping strategies.
Not everything has to disappear right away—but many aspects can be explained, managed, and brought back under control.
Depression—Acute, Recurrent, and Chronic Courses
Psychiatric Assessment and Support
Depressive disorders are among the most common mental illnesses. They can occur as a single episode, manifest as recurring episodes, or take a chronic course. Some forms of depression develop gradually, while others occur suddenly and unexpectedly.
Regardless of how it progresses, one thing is certain: Depression is treatable—and no one has to cope with its symptoms alone.
How Depression Can Manifest Itself
Depression can manifest in many different ways. Common symptoms include, among others:
- persistent feelings of low spirits or inner emptiness
- Loss of interest and lack of enjoyment
- Exhaustion, lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelmed too quickly
- Difficulties with concentration and memory
- Sleep disorders
- changes in appetite or weight
- inner restlessness or sluggishness
- Feelings of guilt, self-doubt, or hopelessness
- physical symptoms such as pain, a feeling of pressure, or gastrointestinal problems
Severity – individual and not comparable
The severity of depression cannot be objectively determined based on individual symptoms. What is severely debilitating for one person may still be “somehow bearable” for another.
Everyone has a different threshold for what they can tolerate.
It is important to note that:
- Suffering doesn't have to be "bad enough" first
- There is no right or wrong level of need for assistance
- No one has to “hang in there” to be taken seriously
Psychiatric Evaluation and Classification
The purpose of a psychiatric evaluation is to
- Understanding depressive symptoms in the context of one's overall living environment
- to distinguish between acute, episodic, and chronic courses
- Identifying comorbid conditions (e.g., anxiety, exhaustion, ADHD, physical illnesses)
- to realistically assess the individual severity
- to work together to determine what kind of support would be most helpful
This assessment forms the basis for treatment that is tailored to the individual—not the other way around.
Treatment - Not a Requirement, but an Option
There is no single "right" treatment for depression. Treatment decisions are always made on a case-by-case basis.
Psychiatric treatment may include:
- structured and supportive conversations
- psychotherapeutic support
- medication
- or a combination of these approaches
No one is required to take medication. At the same time, antidepressants can provide significant relief for many people—not as a “cure for the underlying causes,” but as a form of support to:
- to have more energy again
- to reduce emotional pressure
- To gain stability
- and to make psychotherapeutic work possible in the first place
Medications can help stabilize the ground on which change can take place.
Acute, recurrent, and chronic depression
- Acute depression often requires rapid stabilization and clear relief.
- Recurring episodes make it advisable to provide proactive, long-term support.
- Chronic depression often requires a particularly patient, tailored approach in which small changes can make a big difference.
In all cases, the following applies: The course of the disease is individual, and treatment may change over time.
Our Approach
We take symptoms of depression seriously—regardless of their duration, intensity, or how well you’re functioning on the outside.
Our goal is to work together to find a path that brings relief, promotes stability, and opens up new possibilities.
No one has to suffer to deserve help.
And no one has to carry the burden alone.
Psychotic and Bipolar Disorders
Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Long-Term Support
Psychotic and bipolar disorders are often referred to as “severe mental illnesses.” This does not mean that those affected must be permanently and severely impaired, but rather that these disorders generally require medical and psychiatric treatment—usually involving medication, at least temporarily.
The good news is: These conditions are now easily treatable, especially if they are detected early and managed appropriately.
Psychotic Disorders – Symptoms and Prevalence
Psychoses are conditions in which perception, thinking, or the sense of reality are altered. Symptoms can vary widely in severity and may develop gradually or suddenly.
Common signs include:
- altered perceptions (e.g., hearing voices, unusual sensory experiences)
- pronounced distrust or delusions of persecution
- firm beliefs that are not shared by others
- Thought disorders or mental turmoil
- social withdrawal, decline in performance
- emotional numbness or intense inner turmoil
Bipolar Disorders – Fluctuations in Mood and Energy
Bipolar disorders are characterized by recurring phases of varying mood states. These range from depressive episodes to manic or hypomanic phases.
Typical symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes include:
- an unusually elevated or agitated and possibly aggressive mood
- a marked increase in drive and activity
- reduced need for sleep
- Creativity, a tendency to talk a lot
- overconfidence
- impulsive decisions or risky behavior
Depressive episodes share symptoms with depression, including low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest.
The peak age for first-time onset is often in young adulthood, though it can sometimes occur somewhat later.
Overlapping symptoms – not a “more severe” illness
Psychotic and bipolar symptoms cannot always be clearly distinguished from one another. It may happen that:
- psychotic and manic symptoms occur simultaneously
- depressive and psychotic symptoms occur together
- different types of symptoms alternate rapidly
This does not mean that someone is “even more seriously ill.” Rather, it shows that mental illnesses can be complex and cannot always be classified into rigid categories. The key is to tailor treatment accordingly—the focus is on the current symptoms, not the label.
Typical Time Trends
Both psychotic and bipolar disorders vary greatly from person to person:
- Some people experience isolated episodes from which they make a full recovery
- Others experience recurring phases with stable intervals in between
- Some of those affected require long-term treatment
Psychiatric Evaluation and Classification
The purpose of a psychiatric evaluation is to
- Carefully Classify Symptoms
- to identify overlapping or changing symptoms
- to distinguish between psychotic, affective, and other disorders
- to take into account possible triggers (e.g., substance use, stress)
- to assess each individual's progress and support needs
Drug Treatment
For most people with psychotic or bipolar disorders, medication is necessary, at least for a time. It serves to,
- to relieve acute symptoms
- Preventing Relapses
- To promote stability and suitability for everyday use
The selection of medications is often complex and takes the following into account:
- Efficacy and Side Effects
- physical tolerance
- Life circumstances and individual needs
- the patients' attitudes and experiences to date
Many people affected by this condition have mixed feelings about medication. That is why we place great emphasis on education, transparency, and shared decision-making.
Family members—a group that is often affected as well
Psychotic and bipolar disorders affect not only the person with the illness, but also those around them. Family members often experience:
- severe uncertainty
- Feeling Helpless in Dealing with Change
- Concern for the person affected
- Overwhelmed by Unpredictable Behavior
An additional challenge is that, during an acute episode, a lack of insight into the illness can itself be part of the condition. Those affected often do not see the need for treatment, while their loved ones urgently want them to seek help. This discrepancy makes dealing with the illness particularly stressful and complex.
As part of treatment, we take these dynamics into account and—if desired—also help family members better understand the symptoms and remain capable of taking action.
Additional therapeutic components
In addition to medication, other measures play an important role, including:
- psychoeducational sessions
- psychotherapeutic support
- Support with daily routines and stress management
- Involvement of Family Members
- Counseling on Sleep, Stress, Substance Use, and Lifestyle
Our Approach
We view psychotic and bipolar disorders as medical conditions that require professionally sound, respectful, and long-term support.
Our goal is to,
- Treating Symptoms Early
- Reducing relapses
- Promoting stability
- and to work with patients and—when appropriate—their family members to develop viable solutions
Substance-Related Problems
Assessment, Treatment, and Referral
Problematic substance use is widespread and often develops gradually. What begins as occasional or so-called “recreational” use —such as of alcohol, cannabis, or cocaine—can become difficult to control over time and have a negative impact on mental stability, performance, relationships, and health.
Many patients do not discuss their substance use —or do so only much later —out of shame, fear of judgment, or because the problematic nature of their use goes unrecognized for a long time. We are aware of this tension. Our support is therefore nonjudgmental, respectful, and confidential.
The goal is to identify the negative effects of substance use, promote mental stability, and work together to develop sustainable strategies for managing or quitting substance use.
We do not provide substitution treatment for opioid dependence. In such cases, however, we assist with referrals to appropriate specialized facilities and—if desired—continue to be involved in the patient’s psychiatric care.
Our approach is not judgmental, but rather realistic and supportive. Substance-related problems are understood as part of a complex interplay of stressors, habits, and psychological vulnerability.
Specializations & Special Settings
ADHD - Assessment and Support in Adulthood
When Attention, Structure, and Self-Regulation Pose Ongoing Challenges
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is not limited to childhood. Many people also experience ADHD during adolescence and adulthood—often undiagnosed for a long time. Frequently, it is not ADHD itself that prompts an evaluation, but secondary symptoms such as anxiety, depressive moods, exhaustion, or feeling overwhelmed at work.
It is not uncommon for those affected to seek psychiatric treatment only when they can no longer cope with the long-term strain.
How ADHD Can Manifest Itself in Everyday Life
ADHD manifests itself very differently from person to person. Those affected often report:
- Difficulty maintaining attention for extended periods of time
- easily distracted
- Problems with planning, organization, and time management
- inner restlessness or agitation
- impulsive decisions or emotional overreactions
- significant fluctuations in performance
- Exhaustion from Constant Self-Regulation
When ADHD Goes Undiagnosed for a Long Time
Many adults with ADHD have managed their lives for years by expending a great deal of energy, adapting to their circumstances, and exercising self-control —without realizing that they are expending significantly more energy than others in the process.
Typically:
- constantly "steering" to stay organized
- High levels of internal tension despite appearing to function normally on the outside
- fluctuating performance
- the feeling of constantly having to work hard just to keep up
Over time, this constant coping mechanism can lead to exhaustion, self-doubt, and secondary mental health conditions.
ADHD Burnout
The term “ADHD burnout” describes a state of severe exhaustion that arises when people with ADHD try for a long time to compensate for their difficulties through willpower, perfectionism, or over-adaptation.
The following are common during this phase:
- severe exhaustion
- depressive symptoms
- Fears
- Withdrawal or Overwhelm
- Loss of previous functional level
Recognizing a possible underlying ADHD can provide relief and offer guidance in such situations.
Psychiatric Evaluation
The psychiatric evaluation of ADHD includes:
- Detailed medical history (including childhood and life history to date)
- Recording Current Symptoms and Stressors
- Distinction from Other Mental Disorders
- Classification of Possible Comorbidities
The goal is to arrive at a well-founded, transparent diagnosis that provides guidance and paves the way for further steps.
Performance and Psychological Assessment
In addition, psychological performance assessment may be useful, particularly for:
- Assessment of Attention, Concentration, and Working Memory
- Distinguishing Between ADHD, Exhaustion, Depression, or Anxiety
- Identifying individual strengths and areas of stress
This diagnostic approach provides an objective basis for treatment decisions and can be a source of relief.
Medication Options
Medication is an effective and well-established option for treating ADHD—but it is not always the first choice.
Depending on the individual situation, the following may be used:
- Stimulants
- non-stimulant medications
The selection is made jointly and takes the following into account:
- Symptom Profile
- Comorbidities
- Compatibility
- professional and personal circumstances
Medications can help improve attention, impulse control, and self-regulation, but they are no substitute for complementary strategies.
Support Beyond Medication
ADHD treatment often also includes:
- psychoeducational sessions
- Support with organization, planning, and daily life
- Classification of Occupational and Social Requirements
- Collaboration with psychotherapy and nutritional counseling, when appropriate
The goal is to create a sustainable framework that fits with the organization's own way of operating.
Our Approach
Our goal is to explain ADHD in a way that is easy to understand, to help people make sense of the secondary challenges it presents, and to work together to develop a realistic, stress-reducing approach to managing it.
ADHD is not a weakness—it is a neurobiological difference that requires recognition, understanding , and appropriate support.
Transitional Psychiatry (Adolescence & Transition)
Psychiatric Support During Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
Adolescence is a phase of profound physical, emotional, and social changes. Between the ages of approximately 14 and 25, identity, self-image, and future prospects develop—often accompanied by uncertainty, inner tensions, and increasing demands.
Transitional psychiatry focuses on this sensitive transitional period between adolescence and adulthood. It takes into account that mental health symptoms are often not yet clearly defined during this phase and that developmental crises and emerging mental illnesses can overlap.
Typical Situations / Questions
Teens and young adults come to us for, among other things:
- persistent mood swings or withdrawal
- Impulsivity or intense inner tension
- Conflicts with parents or caregivers
- Difficulties in school, vocational training, or college
- Feeling Overwhelmed When Starting a Career
- Problems in friendships or romantic relationships
- Questions of identity and uncertainty about one's own path in life
- Suspected onset of mental illness
The question often arises: Is this a temporary developmental crisis—or a mental illness that requires treatment?
Our Approach
The focus is on a thorough psychiatric evaluation that always considers symptoms within the context of a person’s development.
Key aspects include:
- Classification of Symptoms in the Context of the Life Stage
- Distinguishing Between an Adolescent Crisis and a Disorder Requiring Treatment
- Careful assessment of questionable personality developments—without jumping to conclusions
- Consideration of family, school, work, and social stressors
The goal is to provide guidance, reduce stress, and stabilize development—not to pathologize.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- psychiatric follow-up appointments
- drug therapy, if necessary
- Incorporation of Psychotherapeutic Support
- Supplementary Psychological Assessment
Who is it particularly suitable for?
- Teenagers aged 14 and older
- young adults in transitional phases
- Families who feel uncertain about how to cope with psychological changes
- People who experience their first mental health symptoms in young adulthood
Specialized Treatment Methods
Esketamine Therapy (Spravato)
Esketamine therapy (Spravato®) is an approved treatment option for people with severe depression for whom conventional antidepressants have not been sufficiently effective.
It is not a first-line treatment and does not replace ongoing basic antidepressant therapy; rather, it is used as an adjunct.
Prim. Priv-Doz. Dr. Beate Schrank, MSc, PhD (Psychiatry)
Dr. Andreas Müller (Psychiatry)
Requirements
Esketamine therapy may be considered if:
- there is treatment-resistant depression
- at least two antidepressants have been used without sufficient success
- psychiatric evaluation and ongoing supportive treatment are possible
Eligibility for therapy is assessed on an individual basis as part of a psychiatric evaluation.
Starting Esketamine Therapy
There are two ways to get started:
1. Initial evaluation and start of treatment at our practice
. The process begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and consultation at our practice. Esketamine therapy is always planned as an adjunct to an existing antidepressant.
2. Transfer for Outpatient Follow-Up Treatment
We also accept patients who have already been evaluated by other psychiatrists and for whom the induction phase was conducted on an outpatient basis at the hospital.
This requires an initial psychiatric consultation with us to jointly discuss the treatment to date, its effectiveness, and future plans.
The Esketamine Treatment Process
Induction Phase in a Hospital (Outpatient)
The so-called induction phase takes place on an outpatient basis in a hospital setting:
- Use twice a week for four weeks
- Medical monitoring during each administration (duration: approx. 90 min)
- If needed, we can assist with organization and coordination
Recognizing a possible underlying ADHD can provide relief and offer guidance in such situations.
Follow-up Outpatient Treatment at Our Clinic
If the treatment is sufficiently effective, it will then be continued on an outpatient basis at our office:
- usually once a week (duration: about 90 minutes)
- in addition to an antidepressant
- with regular psychiatric follow-up
Dose and Interval Adjustment
After a few months—provided the effect remains stable— the dose or the treatment intervals can be gradually reduced.
These adjustments are made on an individual basis and in close consultation with the patients.
Classification
Esketamine may lead to faster relief of depressive symptoms in selected patients. The effect varies from person to person and requires realistic expectations as well as ongoing psychiatric monitoring.
The treatment is part of a clearly structured, comprehensive psychiatric care plan that includes ongoing evaluation of benefits, side effects, and tolerability.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Psychiatric Treatment Options for Severe Depressive Episodes
Ketamine infusion therapy is a potential psychiatric treatment option for severe depressive disorders, particularly when conventional therapies have not been sufficiently effective or have not been well tolerated.
It is not intended as a first-line treatment and does not replace ongoing psychiatric care; rather, it is used as a complementary therapy within a clearly structured overall treatment plan.
Prim. Priv-Doz. Dr. Beate Schrank, MSc, PhD (Psychiatry)
Dr. Andreas Müller (Psychiatry)
Who is a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy may be considered for:
- severe depressive episodes
- inadequate response to several conventional antidepressants
- ineligibility for or unavailability of esketamine therapy
- Situations in which more rapid symptomatic relief appears necessary
Whether this form of therapy is appropriate is determined on a case-by-case basis as part of a thorough psychiatric evaluation.
Assessment and Preparation
Before starting ketamine infusion therapy, we conduct an initial psychiatric consultation during which:
- Discuss the course of treatment to date
- weigh the potential benefits and risks
- Contraindications should be checked
- realistic expectations are clarified
Ketamine infusion is not administered in isolation, but is always part of ongoing psychiatric treatment, usually in addition to existing baseline antidepressant therapy.
Procedure for Ketamine Infusion Therapy
The treatment is administered as an intravenous infusion under medical supervision.
Typically, treatment includes:
- Administering the infusion in a controlled environment
- Medical monitoring during and after the infusion
- time-limited treatment cycles
- regular psychiatric follow-up visits
The exact number and frequency of infusions are determined on an individual basis and adjusted as treatment progresses.
Impact, Limitations, and Classification
In some patients, ketamine can provide temporary relief from depressive symptoms. The effect varies from person to person and is usually temporary.
Ketamine infusion therapy is not a substitute for long-term psychiatric treatment, but—when appropriately indicated—it can open a treatment window in which further therapeutic steps are more effective.
Side effects are possible and will be discussed in detail beforehand.
Our Approach
Our goal is the responsible and judicious use of ketamine infusion therapy.
The focus is on:
- careful determination of indications
- transparent information
- joint decision-making
- ongoing psychiatric care
Distinction from Esketamine (Spravato®)
Ketamine infusion therapy differs significantly from esketamine therapy.
Differences at a Glance
| Characteristic | Esketamine (Spravato®) | Ketamine Infusion Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Substance | Esketamine | Ketamine |
| Approval Status | approved | Off-label |
| Administration | Nasal spray | intravenous infusion |
| Requirement | at least 2 antidepressants that were ineffective | severe depression, individual assessment |
| Start of Treatment | Induction phase in the hospital | Evaluation & Treatment on an Outpatient Basis |
| Induction phase | 2 times a week for 4 weeks | determined on a case-by-case basis |
| Follow-up treatment | outpatient at the doctor's office | time-limited cycles |
| Maintenance Therapy | always an additional antidepressant | usually an additional antidepressant |
| Long-term use | possible with reduced intervals | usually temporary |
| Goal | sustained stabilization | short-term symptomatic relief |
Expert Services
Determination of Fitness to Drive
Medical and Psychiatric Assessment of Fitness to Drive
The fitness-to-drive examination is designed to assess, from a medical and psychiatric perspective, whether a person is physically and mentally capable of safely operating a motor vehicle.
At the Wilhelminenberg Medical Center, we conduct fitness-to-drive evaluations in a careful, structured, and non-judgmental manner.
When is a driving aptitude test ordered?
A driving aptitude test is often ordered by government agencies, such as:
- the tourist office
- the public health officer
- other relevant agencies
It may also be advisable in cases of certain medical or psychiatric conditions, following a prolonged illness or treatment, or if you are unsure about your own fitness to drive.
What is assessed during the driving aptitude test?
The assessment is conducted in accordance with applicable legal requirements and includes—depending on the specific issue—the following, among other things:
- medical and psychiatric history
- Assessment of Attention, Reaction Time, and Stress Tolerance
- Assessment of Mental Stability
- Assessment of the Potential Effects of Medical Conditions or Medications on Driving Ability
If necessary, additional tests are recommended or other medical specialties are consulted.
Procedure and Statement
Following the examination, we will prepare a written medical-psychiatric report, which will be provided quickly and easily.
If needed, this report can be used directly for submission to government agencies.
Important Note
The fitness-to-drive evaluation is not a form of therapy, but rather a medical-psychiatric assessment.
The outcome depends on the findings and the legal requirements.
Exercising in the Summer Heat—What Your Body Needs
Exercise is good for your health—even in the summer. At the same time, the heat poses additional challenges for the body. Many people find that their usual exercise routines
Sleep Problems in the Summer—When the Heat Keeps You Awake
Sleep is essential to physical and mental health. This makes it all the more stressful when it is disrupted over an extended period of time
Dizziness—When the Vestibular System Is Disrupted
Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms and can be very distressing for those affected. Many describe a feeling of loss of control and uncertainty
OUR Offer
for
Patients
Our care is tailored to the different stages of life and challenges that people face when they come to us. We have identified four key areas in which we focus our medical and therapeutic services.