Dr. Lonn David Shane Myronuk

Dr. Lonn Myronuk provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:

Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)

• Sleep Disorders in the Elderly (e.g., Insomnia, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder): Difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep, common in older adults and often linked to psychiatric or medical conditions.
• Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conditions like GAD, panic disorder, or phobias presenting or persisting in later life, often complicated by medical comorbidities.

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders

• Specific Phobias (e.g., heights, animals, injections): Intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses little or no actual danger.
• Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur, such as public transportation, open spaces, or crowds.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Mood Disorders

• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) / Clinical Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, significantly impairing daily functioning.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression related to changes in seasons, most commonly beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter months.

This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Lonn Myronuk for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

• Late-Life Depression & Anxiety Disorder Treatment: Tailored psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches for depression and anxiety disorders in older adults, considering medication interactions and age-related physiological changes.
• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD) with Medication: Use of anxiolytics, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), and other medications to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Diagnosis & Management of Dementia-Related Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms (BPSD): Assessment and non-pharmacological/pharmacological management of agitation, aggression, psychosis, or mood changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
• Management of Psychosis in the Elderly: Careful diagnosis and management of late-onset psychosis or psychotic symptoms related to other medical or neurological conditions in older adults.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Myronuk for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Lonn Myronuk Clinic Nanaimo is situated in the vibrant South Nanaimo neighbourhood, within the University District area. The clinic is conveniently located near the Country Club Centre, a well-known shopping and service hub. Accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), it offers easy access for patients using public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, some with direct building access, ensuring a stress-free visit. The clinic’s discreet and welcoming atmosphere is designed to foster trust and ease for older adults seeking mental health care.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Myronuk, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Myronuk are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Myronuk's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Do I need a referral to see Myronuk, a Geriatric Psychiatrist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Geriatric Psychiatrist such as Myronuk for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.

What if I experience side effects from medication prescribed by Myronuk?

It's common for psychotropic medications to have potential side effects, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting a dose. Myronuk will discuss common side effects to watch for. If you experience side effects, it's very important to communicate this to Myronuk or his office promptly. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless instructed to do so by Myronuk, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition. Myronuk can help manage side effects by adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or suggesting strategies to mitigate them.

How is confidentiality handled in psychiatric care?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychiatric care. Information you share with Dr. Myronuk and his team is kept private and protected by law and professional ethics. This means your information will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very specific situations where there is a legal obligation or an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others (e.g., imminent risk of suicide or homicide, child abuse, or a court order). Dr. Myronuk will typically discuss the limits of confidentiality with you at the beginning of your treatment.

When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Myronuk?

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Myronuk is typically considered when mental health symptoms are severe, persistent, complex, or not responding adequately to initial treatments provided by a family doctor or therapist. This can include: thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe depression or mania; psychosis (hallucinations, delusions); debilitating anxiety or panic attacks; complex PTSD; severe OCD; suspected bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; treatment-resistant depression; or when medication management by a specialist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.

Lonn Myronuk Clinic Nanaimo
528 Wentworth St Fl 3
Nanaimo, BC V9R 3E4

Phone: (250) 739-5868 | Fax: (250) 739-5870

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.

Dr. Myronuk is a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Myronuk for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306767/Myronuk%2CLonn