Dr. Oussama Sidhom – Psychiatrist | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Oussama Sidhom, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing at Hôpital Pierre Janet in Gatineau, QC, he is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and ethical care. He specializes in diagnosing and managing mental health issues in older adults, including dementia-related behavioral symptoms, late-life depression, and anxiety, considering the complexities of aging and medical comorbidities. His approach emphasizes comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plans to promote well-being and dignity among his patients.

Dr. Sidhom holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over six years of experience as a Geriatric Psychiatrist since 2018. He has completed extensive postgraduate training in psychiatry and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, ensuring he is well-qualified to provide specialized mental health care for older adults.

His clinical philosophy centers on a holistic approach to late-life mental health, considering both medical and social factors influencing his patients. Dr. Sidhom is dedicated to preserving the dignity and autonomy of his patients, working collaboratively with families and caregivers to optimize treatment outcomes. Fluent in French, he strives to create a welcoming and respectful environment tailored to the unique needs of his patients in Gatineau.

Dr. Oussama Sidhom 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.
• Grief & Bereavement in Older Adults: Coping with loss in later life, which can sometimes lead to complicated grief or depression requiring psychiatric support.
• Late-Life Depression: Major depressive disorder occurring for the first time in older adulthood, or a recurrence of earlier depression, often presenting with different symptoms than in younger adults.

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.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, persistent worry and anxiety about various everyday life events or activities, often difficult to control.
• 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.

Mood Disorders

• Bipolar Disorder (Type I, Type II, Cyclothymia): Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, ranging from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.

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

• Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Geriatric Psychiatric Assessment & Management of Late-Life Mental Health Issues: Specialized evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders in older adults, considering the interplay of aging, medical comorbidities, and psychosocial factors.
• Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training / Informed Therapy: Providing DBT-informed therapy or facilitating DBT skills groups to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve relationships, particularly for borderline personality disorder.
• Management of Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Parasomnias - psychiatric aspects): Pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treating sleep difficulties that are secondary to or co-occurring with psychiatric conditions.

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

All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Hôpital Pierre Janet is situated in Gatineau's Aylmer Sector Central neighborhood, within a modern healthcare complex dedicated to mental health services. The facility is easily accessible via public transit, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and Rapibus BRT, and is wheelchair accessible. The hospital is located near prominent landmarks such as the Casino du Lac-Leamy, making it convenient for visitors. Ample parking options are available, including metered street parking and nearby public lots. The environment is discreet and welcoming, designed to provide a comfortable and private setting for all patients seeking mental health support. The psychiatric service operated by Dr. Sidhom is a specialized and integral part of the hospital's comprehensive mental health program, focused on delivering expert care tailored to the needs of older adults in Gatineau.

Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Sidhom, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Sidhom are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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 Sidhom's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Do I need a referral to see Sidhom, 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 Sidhom 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 does a Geriatric Psychiatrist like Sidhom specialize in?

A Geriatric Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed specialized training in psychiatry, which is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medication. He is a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializing in mental health conditions affecting older adults. Sidhom is trained to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and can provide a range of treatments including psychotherapy, medications, and sometimes other interventions like ECT or rTMS.

What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Sidhom and a Psychologist?

The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Sidhom, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.

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

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

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

A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Sidhom 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.

Does Sidhom have experience with mental health issues in older adults (geriatric psychiatry)?

Yes, as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Sidhom has specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults (typically 65+). This includes late-life depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and managing psychiatric issues in the context of multiple medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. He understands the unique presentations and treatment considerations in this age group.

Hôpital Pierre Janet
20 rue Pharand
Gatineau, QC J9A 1K7

Phone: (819) 776-8028 | Fax: (819) 776-8006

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

Dr. Sidhom is a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Sidhom for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=13200