Dr Richard Sippe

Initially trained as general physician (MRCP, Lond). Became aware of the frequency of misdiagnosed or too late diagnosed (multiple investigations,etc) psychiatric disorder in medical practice. Changed to psychiatry (FRANZCP 1982).

My career followed the common pattern of a few staff specialist jobs (chiefly St Vincent's Sydney, late 80's to mid 90's), gradually doing more private, less public work until 2005. At St Vincent's I was attached to the inpatient HIV unit and to palliative care, but had other duties, varying somewhat over time, including community psychiatry and general inpatient and outpatient work.Since 2005 I've lived between Germany (Munich) and Australia, doing yearly locums of 3-4 months all over Australia.

I'm very much a general psychiatrist but have a particular interest in Affective Disorders, especially the subclinical part of the continuum, which overlaps with so many other psychiatric entities. As above, I'm a generalist, place emphasis on diagnosis and on a biological approach. Psychologically I use in general an Object Relations type of therapy.

I enjoy very much working in a team, eg, tend to refer cases where a behavioral psychological approach is most appropriate.