Mood Disorder Service

About the service

Southern Health has expanded its specialist Mood Disorder service, providing treatment and research opportunities for patients with mood disorders such as difficult-to-treat depression and bipolar disorder as well as general anxiety conditions. 

This service is accessible through self-referral, and we also welcome referrals from primary and secondary care.

It is designed for those who have tried at least two treatments during their current episode, such as therapy and one medication, or two different medications.

The service is partly funded by NHS England as part of the Mental Health Mission.

What we do

Our goal is to enhance treatment through various methods, including medication adjustments, supplementation, and linking patients with research clinics for emerging treatments.

Please note that we are not an emergency service. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel at risk, please contact 999 immediately.

We ensure high-quality care through screening approaches, including secure online questionnaires, to guide eligibility and recommend the best treatment and support.
 

Accessing the service

The service is available to individuals aged 18 and older with mood disorders who meet our referral criteria and consent to seeing our team.

Staffed by a multi-disciplinary team including consultant psychiatrists and research assistants, our catchment area covers large parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire, with a primary focus on areas such as the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton.

Self-Referrals

If you are an individual affected by mood disorders, you can self-refer by contacting our email, where you will then be given a screening questionnaire to complete at MoodDisorderService@southernhealth.nhs.uk​​​​​​

Primary and Secondary Care Referrals

Healthcare professionals can refer patients by completing our Mood Disorder Patient Referral Request Form. You can either provide the patient with a link to this service or we can contact them on your behalf.

You can also download and complete a copy of the professional referral form at your convenience. For any questions regarding referrals or criteria, please contact us at: MoodDisorderService@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Referral from Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations (VCS)

If you are working in a VCS and wish to refer someone, please assist the individual in completing a self-referral form if needed.

What happens next?

We aim to respond to queries within 7 working days. After receiving your completed form, we will contact you to discuss next steps.

If eligible, you will need to complete a more comprehensive form and provide consent for us to access your medical records. We will then schedule an appointment with one of our consultant psychiatrists.

We may recommend adjustments to your treatment, such as changing medications, dosages, stopping medications, or adding non-pharmacological treatments. We will then update your GP with these recommendations.

Our service collaborates closely with local and national research to help develop new treatments for mood disorders.

If you are eligible, we may invite you to participate in a study. Participation is voluntary, but your involvement is greatly valued as it helps advance future treatments.