Assoc.Prof. Priv.Doz. Dr. Lukas Pezawas

Mental health disorders are among the most common illnesses worldwide and are a leading cause of disability and personal suffering. They range from mild to severe conditions. Mood and anxiety disorders are particularly prevalent – including depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia. In the media, especially when related to work, these conditions are often referred to as burnout syndrome. Other major diagnostic groups in psychiatry include psychotic disorders – particularly schizophrenia – as well as substance use disorders.

As a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist (specialty: cognitive behavioral therapy), university professor, and internationally active researcher with extensive experience directing psychiatric treatment programs at a university hospital, I provide careful individualized assessment and state-of-the-art treatment in my private practice – with the time and attention needed to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Areas of Expertise

Mood Disorders:
Depression and burnout – from mild to severe. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) as a core specialty. Chronic depression. Bipolar disorders.

Adult ADHD:
Comprehensive diagnostic assessment including clinically relevant neuropsychological testing, and a full range of pharmacological treatment options (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine, and others).

Additional Psychiatric Conditions:
Anxiety disorders (panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia), obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, memory and concentration problems, impulse control disorders, and psychiatric symptoms associated with medical conditions.

Expert Opinions: Psychiatric fitness-to-drive assessments.

Treatment Options

Modern psychiatry offers a range of evidence-based therapies, all of which I provide in my practice:

Modern psychopharmacotherapy – including innovative treatment options such as esketamine nasal spray (Spravato®) for treatment-resistant depression. Comprehensive pharmacological ADHD treatment. Acute and long-term medication management and relapse prevention. Digital therapy with certified digital health applications (DiGAs), such as edupression.com® – the first Austrian DiGA, which I co-developed medically and whose efficacy I have investigated in clinical studies. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral techniques. Psychoeducation and relapse prevention.

Esketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Many patients with depression do not achieve adequate improvement despite multiple antidepressant trials. For these patients, I offer esketamine nasal spray (Spravato®) maintenance therapy in my practice. Esketamine works through a fundamentally different mechanism than conventional antidepressants, rapidly promoting the formation of new neural connections. Treatment begins with an induction phase at a specialized center – such as the TRD outpatient clinic at Vienna General Hospital, which I head in my primary position. Following successful induction, I provide maintenance therapy in my practice: in a calm atmosphere, on comfortable leather recliners, with continuous medical monitoring. Fees can be submitted to your health insurance for reimbursement, with the majority of costs being covered.

Digital Health Applications (DiGAs)

As a member of the Working Group on Digital Health of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) and as a researcher in digital psychiatry, I integrate certified DiGAs – digital medical devices with proven efficacy – as a targeted component of my treatment approach. I particularly recommend edupression.com®, the first Austrian DiGA listed in the German DiGA directory of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), which combines cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and measurement-based care in a single application.

Private Practice

I am available in my private practice by appointment. Consultation fees can be submitted to your health insurance for partial reimbursement. Your advantages: ample time for diagnosis and treatment, no waiting times, a confidential and comfortable atmosphere, state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment, care by an experienced university-affiliated clinician, privacy protection, and electronic prescriptions available upon request.