The approach
Lifestyle psychiatry
Lifestyle psychiatry is an emerging area that aims to improve mental health outcomes and overall wellbeing by addressing lifestyle factors that contribute to mental health difficulties.
Psychiatry and lifestyle medicine, together
Dr Bucur is a consultant psychiatrist and a Certified Physician in Lifestyle Medicine (International Board of Lifestyle Medicine, 2020). With this dual experience she brings the two disciplines together to provide personalised, compassionate care.
It is not a replacement for psychiatric assessment or evidence-based treatment. In Dr Bucur's practice these factors are considered alongside psychiatric care, as part of one personalised plan.
The lifestyle factors considered
Nutrition
What and how we eat, considered alongside other parts of care.
Physical activity
Movement that is realistic for the person and their circumstances.
Sleep
Patterns of rest and how they interact with mood and concentration.
Stress management
Ways of recognising and responding to sustained pressure.
Social connection
Relationships and belonging as part of recovery.
What it is not
Lifestyle psychiatry is not a wellness programme or a promise of a particular result. It is one part of an individual, evidence-based plan.