Areas of expertise
ADHD
My main area of expertise is the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults. I have been working with adults who have ADHD for the past 19 years and in 2013, I was involved with setting up a new ADHD clinic within my NHS Trust where I was the ADHD consultant. I have extensive experience with various methods of assessment and treatment approaches.
People often think of ADHD as a relatively new condition but in fact, there are good descriptions of individuals with this condition as far back as the eighteenth century. Historically ADHD has not been identified in women as often as men. This is because women usually present as inattentive, daydreaming and underachieving, rather than hyperactive. ADHD in women can go undiagnosed for years, until they are diagnosed with a comorbid mental condition such as depression or anxiety, or they become aware their symptoms overlap with those of ADHD. Some people may even have been misdiagnosed.
Have you heard of ADHD and realised you experience the same symptoms in your day-to-day life? Maybe you have always struggled with intense emotions, trouble concentrating or impulsivity. Or perhaps you have recently received a diagnosis of ADHD and you don’t know what to do next, I can help.
I take a whole-person and recovery-based approach to ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Your experiences and lifestyle are unique and require a personalised plan. Alongside this, I make sure to manage the other symptoms you may be experiencing post diagnosis such as anxiety or depression. It is normal to experience these in the weeks following diagnosis but often these symptoms get overlooked. The most important thing to remember is that ADHD can be managed very well with treatment, so if you are unsure whether to reach out for support, know that you may feel much better within a short amount of time. Medications for ADHD are both safe and effective, and alongside psychological therapies, the difference can be life-changing.
Post Diagnosis Treatment
Sometimes people have an autism or ADHD assessment and receive a diagnosis but don’t have access to a treatment plan, aftercare, or medical management of their symptoms. I have witnessed the frustration and confusion that often accompanies this situation. My goal is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and effective care.
Have you received an autism or ADHD diagnosis and still experience negative symptoms and don’t know what to do next? Maybe you are unsure about your treatment plan and are looking for other perspectives. Perhaps you were experiencing a low mood before you received a diagnosis but still feel low and don’t know how to feel better.
I can help you to manage your ongoing low mood or post-diagnosis anxiety and work with you to improve your symptoms. My approach involves a comprehensive support plan that includes psychoeducation, therapy, lifestyle adjustments and medication when necessary. Together we can navigate the challenges you face and I will empower you to lead a fulfilling and balanced life.
Depression and Mood Disorders
I have extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders in adults, specialising in conditions such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. I have been involved in treatment research trials for mood disorders over the years allowing me to gain valuable insights into effective interventions.
Have you lost interest in the activities you used to love and lack the motivation to do basic tasks? Perhaps you feel like nothing works to help you feel better, or maybe you think ‘Why bother trying anymore?’. I understand the impact a low or fluctuating mood can have on every aspect of your mental and physical well-being. The demand that it places on you to overcome or persevere through it can feel completely overwhelming and unachievable.
I am here to support you and demonstrate that it is possible to move forward and create the positive, stable life that you want. You can feel better. Together we will identify the specific challenges you face and and determine clear health goals. From there, we will create a detailed treatment plan designed to help you achieve those goals. I will be by your side offering guidance every step of the way.
My approach to treatment
People often leave it far too long for their problems to resolve themselves before seeking help and support. Many people feel better the moment they make the decision to book themselves in for an assessment or appointment. This is because they are taking control of their situation and sharing their difficulties, rather than waiting for the situation to get better or for things to change. Reaching out to book an appointment might feel daunting or scary, but that is completely normal. You may feel that by asking for help you are “letting yourself down” or showing that you “can’t manage” but this is not the case. Often we simply need a listening ear, a fresh perspective and some structured ongoing support to overcome the challenges faced.
Whether you already have a diagnosis or not, my approach is to start from the beginning. I am here to listen to you as you explain your history and share your struggles with me. Once I am sure that you have the correct diagnosis, we will move forward to work on appropriate treatments. During the first consultation, we will discuss the issues and problems you are dealing with. You can share as little or as much with me as you feel comfortable with during this time. It might be that the first session is simply you and I getting to know each other and talking about things such as your work, living situation, hobbies and medical history. It is important that you feel comfortable with me and that you know you are in control of the direction of the appointment. We will move at a pace that you are comfortable with.
You might feel that an appointment with a psychiatrist is a difficult, scary or intrusive experience, especially if this is your first consultation, but in fact, it is just a conversation between two people. I am on your side and want to help you. There will be some structure to our conversation but that is the essence of the process. If you watched an assessment through the window it would be like two people sitting back and having a friendly conversation.
Personalised treatment plans
All treatment plans are personalised to you, your lifestyle and your health goals. By taking into account your preferences and your medical and psychiatric history, a tailored treatment plan is created, one that you are comfortable following and taking control of.
Psychoeducation will always be the first step in any treatment plan, along with psychological treatments and medications if necessary, but lifestyle interventions are also included if we feel they would be helpful. Often there are other areas of well-being that you might want to focus on during your recovery. My role is to integrate all aspects of care into your treatment plan and make sure that you have the correct referrals and support. If we decide that exercise might be helpful for you, I will recommend a personal trainer or the gym. If you need dietary guidance, I will refer you to the dietitian. I believe that everyone can champion their own recovery and this ongoing integrative care that includes the basic pillars of well-being is crucial for long-term health.
Medication
I believe that medications should only be considered in situations where clear benefits are evident. If medication is needed, I will explain the different medications available to you, as well as their advantages and potential side effects so that you fully understand your options. I always follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines when recommending medication as a treatment. Once medication is prescribed, I will routinely review all prescriptions, and we will engage in open discussions about their effects on your well-being. My goal is to gradually reduce medication usage once you are feeling well and it is safe to do so. I will support you through this process to ensure a safe reduction in medication while maintaining your overall health.
Education & Training
Currently, I’m a Consultant Psychiatrist at the London Psychiatry Clinic and I have run my private practice since 2011. I’m registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and I am a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych). I completed my specialist training at Oxford University and also undertook a Masters degree in research from the University of Cambridge.
I have been a doctor for 29 years working initially in General Medicine before obtaining a psychiatry post at Oxford in 1997. I have worked in a variety of Psychiatric settings across inpatient and outpatient wards, within the National Health Service (NHS) and in the private sector. I have extensive experience with the Mental Capacity Act and worked for many years in this area.
Personal interests
In my spare time, I play classical and flamenco guitar. I really enjoy learning new skills and this has been my favourite so far. When the weather allows, I cycle and swim and during the sports season, I enjoy attending football and rugby games.
