Psychiatry and Psychology in Minnesota

Mood Disorders Unit

The Mood Disorders Unit at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minn., provides inpatient treatment to adult patients whose depression or bipolar illness significantly affects their functioning or safety. A psychiatrist with specialized training in mood disorders directs the patient's treatment.

The unit is in the Generose Building on the Saint Marys Hospital campus.

Comprehensive Assessment, Individual Treatment Plan

Patients are generally admitted via physician referral or through the Emergency Department. Each patient has a comprehensive admission assessment and/or a medical and psychiatric evaluation by a Mayo Clinic physician. This initial assessment addresses medical, emotional, behavioral, social, recreational, vocational and nutritional needs. Also included is a review of the patient's psychiatric history, previous treatment and physical and health screening.

Results of the specialized assessment are reviewed by an experienced team of psychiatrists, registered nurses, social workers, psychologists, physician assistants and rehabilitation professionals. In consultation with the patient, they create an individualized care plan to meet each patient's needs. Tests or consultations with other medical specialties at Mayo Clinic are ordered, as needed.

Treatment

Treatment options at the Mood Disorders Unit include cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacologic interventions, and, when indicated, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or additional treatments.

The patient's active participation is essential to the treatment process, both in the hospital and after dismissal. Patients set daily goals to move toward recovery. Daily visits by the multidisciplinary team, led by the psychiatrist, systematically assess each patient's progress. The patient's partner and family members are encouraged to participate in treatment and recovery.

The intensive, seven-day-a-week treatment program incorporates medical therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, education and support groups, discussion groups, family groups, and relaxation activities, as well as goal-directed individual time.

Daily educational and therapeutic group activities address stress management, medication management, work/life balance, communication skills, and planning and goal-setting.

Patients remain in a secure environment, but they are encouraged to maintain daily routines, such as exercise or personal and business communications. Each patient's level of independence is determined by the treatment team in consultation with the patient — including criteria for leaving the unit.

After a patient is treated in the Mood Disorders Unit, the medical team arranges follow-up appointments and referrals to hometown resources or individualized therapy.