About Us
Dr Désirée Rossouw – Psychiatrist
Qualifications: MBChB; MMed (Psych)
Dr Désirée Rossouw earned her medical degree at the University of Pretoria in 1980 and completed her post-graduate studies in Psychiatry in 1987. After finishing her studies, she served as the Head and Consultant of the Adolescent Unit at Weskoppies Hospital until 1990. In 1991, Dr Rossouw opened her private practice in Pretoria and continued contributing as a part-time Consultant at Weskoppies Hospital for several years. She also worked in a rehabilitation facility for three years.
Dr Rossouw’s areas of interest include psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, clinical research trials, and dementia and cognitive disorders. Her treatment approach is focused on improving overall functioning in family, work, and social contexts.
Dr Richard Sykes – Psychiatrist
Qualifications: MBChB; MPharmMed; MMed (Psych); FC Psych (SA)
Dr Richard Sykes completed his medical studies at the University of Pretoria in 1997. He went on to complete his post-graduate qualifications in psychiatry and pharmacology, obtaining his MMed (Psych) with distinction in 2005. Dr Sykes worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age Psychiatry in Scotland before returning to South Africa in 2007 to establish his private practice in East Pretoria. He also works part-time at Weskoppies Hospital as a Consultant Psychiatrist.
His areas of interest include psycho-pharmacology, clinical research trials, dementia and cognitive disorders, bipolar mood disorders, adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and improving cognitive functioning in mood disorders.
Services
At Mental Vitality, we offer comprehensive psychiatric services for various mental health conditions, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment that includes both pharmacological and psychological interventions.
Psychiatric Consultations & Diagnosis
Initial consultations typically last around an hour and involve a thorough clinical examination. In some cases, further investigations such as MRI scans or blood tests may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, a personalised treatment plan is developed, which may involve a multi-disciplinary approach, including collaboration with clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and dieticians.
Holistic Treatment Approach
Our treatment plan focuses on increasing mental vitality and optimising overall functioning. Depending on the severity of the condition, patients may be referred for more intensive care at Denmar Psychiatric Hospital (www.denmar.co.za).
Treatment Modalities include:
- Medication (pharmacological agents)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Supportive Therapy
- Psycho-dynamic Therapy
Specialisations
We specialise in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including:
- Mood Disorders: Depression, Bipolar Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders: Specific Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Psychotic Disorders: Schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions
- Substance Use Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Sexual Disorders
- Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia
- Impulse Control Disorders: Pathological Gambling
- Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Sleep Disorders
- Medical-related Mental Disorders: Epilepsy, SLE, Multiple Sclerosis
- Head Injury-related Mental Disorders
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Memory Impairment & Cognitive Disorders: Delirium, Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
Additional Information
- Collaborative Care: Treatment is often carried out with the involvement of other specialists, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental well-being.
- Intensive Care Option: In cases requiring more focused treatment, arrangements can be made for admission to Denmar Psychiatric Hospital.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: Every patient receives an individually tailored treatment plan to address their specific needs and condition.
Mental Vitality, under the expert guidance of Dr Désirée Rossouw and Dr Richard Sykes, is committed to providing compassionate, professional, and effective care to help individuals achieve optimal mental health and vitality.
