Rob Shieff

The Bare Bones of Bipolar Disorder

With continued demand on specialty mental health services, bringing changes in the process of care delivery, there has been an increased focus on the role of primary practitioners in the management of serious mental illness, including Bipolar Affective Disorder. This session will cover aspects of assessment and diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, together with tips and advise concerning the establishment and maintenance of a range of treatment options for newly diagnosed patients, as well as those returning to primary care following a period of treatment from secondary mental health services.

Activity Scheduling – The Primary CBT Skill for Depression

Amongst the most debilitating aspects of depression is the inactivity which so frequently accompanies the loss of energy and motivation that characterises this illness. Assisting people back to a life style which is carefully structured in order to provide a balance of achievement and pleasure is a fundamental stepping stone along the pathway to sustained recovery. This session will walk you through the skill of Activity Scheduling, one of CBT’s most helpful and straight-forward techniques in the treatment of depression from a primary practice perspective.
Audience: Suitable for primary practitioners – doctors, nurses and pharmacists – who wish to supplement a basic knowledge of mood disorder and its treatment.

Biography: Rob is a general adult psychiatrist, working in full-time private practice in Ponsonby. Following completion of his specialist qualification in 1996, Rob has undertaken extensive training in the provision of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for a wide range of conditions.  His key area of clinical interest is in the assessment and management of mood and anxiety disorders, in integrating medication with short-term skill-based psychological therapies. Rob has an active teaching role within the Auckland regional psychiatric training programme, while also contributing to a variety of Primary Mental Health teaching initiatives throughout New Zealand.