Areas of expertise
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that shows up differently for each child. It's not just about being hyperactive, having trouble sitting still, or paying attention. Sometimes, it's less obvious, like having a hard time with emotions, feeling anxious, acting out, or having mood changes. That’s why it can be hard to spot ADHD in some kids, especially girls. So, it's important to consider ADHD, even if it's not clear at first. The first step is to get a thorough assessment to rule it in or out.
If we don't treat ADHD, it can lead to serious problems like a higher chance of addiction and difficulties in life. That's why diagnosing ADHD early on is crucial. Early treatment and support can prevent a lot of confusion and hardship later on.
In my work at leading institutions in London, Oxford, and Geneva, I've helped hundreds of young people with ADHD. I've seen how the right treatment can truly help the child, and often their whole family. When we treat ADHD effectively, it's not just their symptoms that get better. Kids also do better in school, enjoy activities more, and feel more confident and happy. It's rewarding to see their self-esteem grow as they succeed in their day-to-day life.
The ADHD Assessment Process
When assessing ADHD, I look at the whole picture – the symptoms, the strengths, and the challenges unique to each young person. This includes a detailed conversation with you to understand your perspectives and concerns. Following this assessment, I prepare a detailed report and discuss it with you, ensuring a thorough understanding of the situation.
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, I believe in taking a collaborative and holistic approach. This starts with educating your whole family about ADHD and the various treatment options. The plan might include:
- Psychological education about your child’s symptoms
- Parenting strategies
- Diet and nutritional advice
- Physical activity recommendations
- Support in finding hobbies to encourage positive behaviour
- Talking therapy
- Medication
Treatment for ADHD is about managing the symptoms but also improving your child’s self-esteem, friendships, academic performance, family dynamics, and general well-being.
My approach to treatment
Seeing a psychiatrist can be a bit daunting and stir up mixed feelings, especially for parents. My role is to guide and support you through this journey, by creating a relaxed and safe environment where you can openly share your thoughts. Being understood and supported is the first step in reducing the stress you’ve been dealing with alone.
I've learned from my years of experience that talking openly, working together, and building trust are key to helping your child. I'll explain everything about our assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans clearly, so you know what to expect. I want to ensure you feel comfortable and involved at every stage. You should have all the information and options available to make informed decisions about your child.
Your first consultation
When we first meet, my priority is to listen and understand the concerns you have about your child. I'll ask various questions about your child's symptoms, their impact on your child and your family, and any previous help you’ve had. It's important that I get a complete picture of what's going on, so I'll gather information from you, your child, and their school. I'll also share resources and advice on managing the symptoms day-to-day.
After our session, I'll put together a detailed report. You can share this report with your child's school or other doctors to ensure everyone involved is on the same page. We'll then review the main points together and discuss the next steps.
Personalised treatment plans
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone, and I understand that children with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions have their own unique set of challenges. That's why we'll work together to create a care plan that feels right for your family.
In addition to considering medication, I bring in elements from different psychotherapy methods to help manage feelings of anxiety and distress. If needed, I'll coordinate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and occupational therapists, to provide a comprehensive support system for your child.
We'll also look at how adjustments in daily life can support your child’s wellness. This includes:
- Healthy eating
- Regular exercise
- Quality sleep
- Social and creative activities
These lifestyle changes are crucial for recovery and overall well-being. If there are hurdles in making these changes, I'm here to help you find a different strategy that works for your family.
Medication
I understand that the thought of medication can cause mixed feelings. Some families prefer just therapy or lifestyle changes, and that's okay. But it’s important to remember that the right medication at the right dose can have a profound effect on improving a child’s quality of life. Regardless of what kind of treatment you choose, I’m here to help you navigate that decision.
Before any medication is considered, I'll provide thorough information about its benefits, how it works, potential side effects, and risks. This early step clears up any misconceptions and helps you make an informed decision.
If you decide to try medication, we'll start with a test period to see how it works and then decide what to do next. I follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for any medication I recommend. The best results often come from combining medication with talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or family therapy. Once we determine the best medication for your child, I'll routinely review its effects on your child’s well-being through open discussions.
Education & Training
I’m a Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrist with over eight years of clinical experience. I’m registered with the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) and the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
I completed my clinical training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Geneva, Oxford and London, with highly prestigious and competitive positions as an academic clinician. I graduated from the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine. I then trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Geneva as a funded clinician-scientist, completed my doctoral thesis (MD), and obtained the Swiss Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Exam (FMH). I was then granted an EU-funded Marie Curie fellowship to complete a PhD at Imperial College.
I next went to Oxford as an NIHR-funded Academic Clinical Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford University. I then obtained my membership in the Royal College of Psychiatrists. My higher training culminated in London in a role as an NIHR-funded Academic Clinical Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Maudsley hospitals and King’s College University. These positions have given me extensive clinical experience in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in various settings, as well as strong skills in evidence-based medicine and research.
In addition to my clinical work, I have published over 15 scientific articles in international peer-reviewed scientific publications and a book chapter. I have also been an independent peer reviewer for a range of scientific journals.
