Bayfront Health Medical Group recently welcomed a new physician to their team, Dr. Gregory Arthmann, a comprehensive Psychiatrist. Dr. Arthmann has over six years’ experience in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of adult psychiatric patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Arthmann treats young adults to geriatrics, and his experience includes substance abuse rehabilitation, behavioral, depressive and psychotic disorder treatment, consultative therapy, emergency visits, and general psychiatry.
Dr. Arthmann graduated from the University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine in St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Wellspan York Hospital in York, PA, and residency in psychiatry at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, NC.
We caught up with the diligent psychiatrist to find out more about his expertise.
Q: What can Patients expect when they visit you?
A: My patients receive my undivided attention, and my goal is always to work with them on a very individualized basis to come up with the best solution that fits their diagnosis. I spend an hour with my new patients, utilizing the time to get to know them, their history, their needs and their concerns.
Q: How do you diagnose your patients?
A: I thoroughly review their presenting symptoms as well as their social, medical and psychiatric history. My clinical observation of the patient is also important in establishing a diagnosis.
Q: What treatment and methods do you use to treat your patients?
A: It’s entirely dependent on their diagnosis and disorders. I always take into consideration what’s best for this patient in particular. My treatment is typically multifocal; in that, I provide pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Neuromodulation techniques such as ECT or TMS could also be utilized if indicated, especially in treatment resistant disorders such as major depression. But again, it’s all depends on the particular person and their disorder.
Q: What are some alternatives treatments?
A: There are different types, but psychotherapy; ECT and TMS are the most common and well-studied with the best outcomes. ECT has been effectively used for over 80 years, but the common misconception is that it’s “shock therapy.” Unfortunately, most individuals are not aware of the safety and efficacy of ECT therapy. It is performed under general anesthesia, so the patient is completely relaxed. It’s nothing like what you see in the movies. The American Psychiatric Society (APA) has established clear guidelines for the use of ECT. It is considered safe and effective for pregnant women, adolescents, and the geriatric population. Around 100,000 people a year receive ECT in the United States.
Q: What does ECT treat?
A: It treats psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder, bipolar, suicidality, schizophrenia and more. A treatment course typically lasts several weeks however it will vary depending on the patient’s response. Today’s evidence shows ECT is a valuable, often underused treatment that could help manage and reduce symptoms in patients with serious and persistent psychiatric illnesses. The National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the U.S. Surgeon General all endorse ECT as a valuable tool in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders, including major depression.
Q: What does TMS Therapy entail?
A: TMS is a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This noninvasive therapy helps to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Patients that do not respond well to medications for major depression are often prime candidates for TMS therapy. The TMS device, which has magnets embedded inside it, is placed on the scalp and sends magnetic pulses into the brain, where they generate an electric current. The magnetic pulses are focused in the brains area that naturally controls emotions, known as the prefrontal cortex. It’s extremely safe with no adverse side effects.
Q: What other specifics set you apart?
A: Some patients have genetic mutations which effect their ability to effeciently metabolize medications. I offer genetic testing which assists me in treating my patients according to their genetic enzyme profile. The test results help me to identify and select the safest and most effective psychotropic medications for each individual patient.
Dr. Arthmann is offering psychiatric treatment for:
• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar and related disorders
• Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
• Catatonia
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
• Trauma and stress-related disorders
• Personality disorders
• Substance-related and addictive disorders
Dr. Arthmann works out of the Bayfront Health Medical Group’s Punta Gorda Office. He will be taking consultations from the greater area and looks forward to helping you and your family find answers to your mental and behavioral health needs.
Please call 941-833-1750 for an appointment.