Affective Disorders and Anxiety + Focus on Young Adults (Ward 4)

In addition to our age-independent focus on affective disorders and anxiety disorders, our ward specializes in treating young adults aged 18–25 (also referred to as transition).

The transition phase is a vulnerable time in life when symptoms of mental disorders often appear for the first time. It is important to clarify as early as possible what is behind these symptoms and to initiate individually tailored treatment in order to enable a successful transition to “adult life.” Patients who have already been in child and adolescent psychiatric treatment also benefit from transition-specific treatment that is adapted to the needs of their age group.

A special feature of our ward is the combination of a peer-based and a cross-generational approach: We bring together young adults and older people who are in the middle of their lives. Even though the young people are among themselves in many groups, they have the opportunity to learn from older people in cross-ward groups and in everyday ward life. Older patients also often learn from the adolescents, who have a different, more uninhibited approach to their illness. We can offer a total of 26 inpatient treatment spots, half of which are reserved for young adults.

What do we do?

We provide crisis intervention during a difficult phase of life. In doing so, we believe it is important to offer treatment that is both evidence-based and patient-focused. In addition to and following a differentiated diagnosis (organ diagnostic clarification, differential diagnostic classification), individualized multimodal therapy is provided: Psychotherapeutic treatment focuses on a modular concept with schema therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in individual and group settings. In most cases, psychopharmacological therapy is also provided. In addition, neurostimulation procedures (transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy) are available. Social-educational support and occupational, ergonomic, art, and sports therapy are further components of the stay.

For our young patients, we also offer transition-specific groups (occupational therapy, work therapy, sports therapy, and much more). This approach is designed to help young adults find further support that is right for them after their stay with us, so that they can get back on their feet (return to school, training or studies, work).

As part of the research hospital of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, we would be delighted if all our patients participate in the Max Planck Institute's biobank so that, with your support, we can gather as much data as possible from which we can gain insights for future, more individualized treatment. In addition, as part of our research, we offer specialized studies to improve therapies and make them more individualized. Together with your treatment team, we will find out which study might be best for you, provided you wish to support our research.