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Over 40 Years as a Psychiatrist

It has been more than 40 years since I became a psychiatrist. At the age of 14, I aspired to become a doctor, and by 20, I had decided on psychiatry as my path. After completing a one-year initial rotation at Nagoya Ekisaikai Hospital, I trained in psychiatry as a medical staff member at Nagoya University Hospital. I then spent over ten years working at Aichi Prefectural Shiroyama Hospital, a specialized psychiatric institution, before continuing my career in psychiatric care and mental health consultation at Nagoya University Hospital and the Nagoya Institute of Technology Health Center. After 37 years as a public servant and two years as a clinic physician, I unexpectedly found myself taking over a clinic.

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A Lifelong Interest in Human Existence

Where do we come from, and where are we going? I have always been fascinated by the origins and future of humankind. While the distinction between self and others exists even at the cellular and immune levels, I am particularly drawn to the human mind—one of the few entities on Earth capable of self-awareness.

Though I am merely a clinical physician, I have long been interested in the question: Where in the brain am I?—a theme that connects identity with neuroscience. My work has included research on brain waves, as well as the physiology and pathology of sleep, leading to my focus on sleep psychiatry. However, my endeavors are but minor attempts compared to the grand ambitions and achievements of pioneers like France’s Henri Piéron and the United States’ Nathaniel Kleitman.

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Learning from Patients

In daily clinical practice, I am constantly learning from my patients. My clinic treats individuals struggling with symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, lack of motivation, depression, hallucinations, delusions, and memory decline. In addition, I see patients with hypersomnia disorders such as insufficient sleep syndrome, as well as sleep disorders like sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorder, and delayed sleep phase disorder. Patients suffering from consciousness impairment episodes, seizures, and other epilepsy-related conditions also seek our care.

We conduct high-precision electrophysiological examinations, including EEG tests and Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT), performed by skilled technicians. We also offer two-night consecutive home sleep apnea tests to ensure accurate diagnosis. Our clinic operates strictly by appointment for both first-time and returning patients, and we strive to provide prompt diagnostic evaluations.

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The Role of Compatibility in Medical Care

Some patients discontinue treatment citing “compatibility” with their doctor. However, in medicine, I believe that compatibility is irrelevant and often counterproductive. In reality, I have colleagues who may not be personable but are exceptional in diagnosis and treatment. In fact, an overly friendly demeanor could sometimes mask a lack of medical expertise. For this reason, even if a patient wishes to change doctors, I review their treatment history before recommending a transfer, and in some cases, I may advise against it. Additionally, patients who have previously received treatment elsewhere must provide a referral letter from their primary doctor before beginning treatment at our clinic.

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Second Opinions and Collaborative Care

We also offer second opinions for patients undergoing psychiatric or sleep disorder treatment. Our clinic is part of the nationwide network of the Japanese Society of Sleep Research, and we collaborate with hospitals and clinics to provide specialized care for patients with both physical and psychiatric conditions. Since physical and mental health are inseparably connected, I strive to refer patients to the best specialists within my knowledge.

Please feel free to visit our clinic.

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May 1, 2016
Yuhei Kayukawa

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