William Thorneloe M.D.

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Psychiatrist William Thorneloe

William F. Thorneloe, MD is a psychiatrist practicing in Atlanta since 1981, and in Smyrna since 1997. I began the Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Program at Crawford Long Hospital (Emory Midtown Hospital). I enjoy working with a variety of patients with medical problems as well as psychiatric conditions.

My approach is to get to know a patient as well as possible, including family for history and counseling. I rarely treat a patient with only medications, but prefer to enhance benefits of medication with psychotherapy. I was trained in psychodynamic psychotherapies, but also work in supportive and motivational interviewing.

I see patients aged 15 and older. I have patients from Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina. I work with patients with cognitive deficits, some living in residential settings. The majority of my patients are independent. I specialize in depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenias and other persistent illnesses. I enjoy work with anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD, hair/skin picking and similar problems. I work with adult and adolescent ADHD. I work with many with substance use disorders complicating other problems.

I do not provide hospitalization care but refer to excellent facilities such as Ridgeview Institute and Peachford Hospital.

My credentials include a BS in Mathematics from Clemson University, MD from the Medical College of Virginia / Virginia Commonwealth University and residency in psychiatry at University of Alabama Hospitals. I have been Board Certified  by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry and with a sub-specialty certification in Forensic Psychiatry. I am a member of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Association for Psychiatry and the Law and the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Organization.

I have been awarded as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the APA.

I am also active in the Smyrna, Vinings and Cumberland communities with several organizations. I am especially proud of my roles with the Vinings/Cumberland Rotary Club.

Dr. Thorneloe Treats These Psychiatric Conditions

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Panic Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Addiction / Substance Use Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Relationship Issues
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Depression, Mania, Bipolar Disorders, Dysthymia

Affective disorders include Depression, Mania, Bipolar Disorders, Dysthymia and other chronic mood disorders.

These illnesses are frequently recurrent. It usually helps to continue a successful treatment rather than discontinuing with a risk of relapse. There is no guarantee that previously successful treatment will succeed in such cases.

Medical literature has found that combination of psychotherapy and medications have the best chance for improved of mood disorders. While acute treatment often involves frequent visits, maintenance is often only a few times a year.

I do not provide somatic therapy such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and others. I frequently refer to other centers for evaluation and performance of these procedures. I will continue to treat and follow patients who require these treatments.

Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective

Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective and similar disorders are challenging for patients and their families. I provide careful initial evaluation, review of treatment options and continuing education for my patients and their families. My goal with to avoid hospitalizations and to maximize quality of life. I encourage work and other advances to level of function and quality of life.

Medication management of these conditions has changed a great deal over my career. We have a number of choices although frequently older medications are just as effective as newer and more expensive medications. Side effects can include metabolic problems such as weight gain, risk of diabetes, elevated cholesterol and other problems. I have been among the first to appreciate the need to monitor and intervene quickly for these problems.

Exercise, diet and some other changes in treatment are frequently helpful. I treat a number of patients with Clozapine and am an approved Clozapine Prescriber. This treatment requires compliance with medications and lab monitoring, but is currently the Gold Standard of treatment with a very good chance of long term benefit, ability to work and enjoy relationships.