Areas of expertise
Mood and anxiety disorders
I have extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders in children, teenagers, and adults. ‘Mood disorder’ is an umbrella term that describes any mental health condition that leads to changes in your mood, such as depression, dysthymia, or bipolar disorder. For example, you or a loved one might be experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, a lack of motivation, or struggling to keep up with daily tasks. Perhaps you no longer like doing activities you previously enjoyed, or you may have thoughts of self-harm or not wanting to be here. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns, such as oversleeping or insomnia, are also common signs of mood disorders.
Similarly, anxiety disorders can include phobias, generalised anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or panic disorder. Anxiety can lead to intense feelings of fear, restlessness and discomfort, manifesting in many different types of symptoms. On the one hand, panic attacks are sudden and unexpected, with symptoms like breathlessness, palpitations, sweating, and a feeling of impending doom. On the other hand, generalised anxiety can cause constant worry about everything, even minor things, and overthinking about worries.
Although these symptoms can feel overwhelming, please know you're not alone, and I'm here to help you. I’m committed to identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms to develop the best treatment plan for your individual circumstances. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is witnessing my patients' incredible transformations back to health and well-being. It's truly inspiring to see how my patients regain their sense of identity and start enjoying life again. Remember, you have the strength to overcome these challenges, and I'm committed to supporting you every step of the way.
ADHD & ADD
I specialise in assessing and treating young people and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, or ADD without hyperactivity). I provide comprehensive ADHD assessments and treatment options, such as medication, lifestyle changes, and other strategies tailored to your unique circumstances and symptoms. If you are not diagnosed with ADHD, we can explore other potential causes and treatments for the symptoms you’re experiencing. Through this process, you will gain valuable tools to navigate your challenges more effectively.
ADHD can affect adults in different ways, and I want to understand the symptoms you’re experiencing and how they impact your life. It's not uncommon for adults with ADHD to experience additional symptoms like anxiety or low self-esteem. These conditions may arise due to negative experiences or feeling misunderstood. For example, you may struggle to keep pace with others or constantly engage in physical or mental activities to keep you stimulated. Staying organised and maintaining focus might pose challenges that affect your work performance, relationships, and daily routine. Fortunately, I’ve seen many adults with ADHD significantly improve and gain control of their symptoms after starting treatment. It's not uncommon to witness advancements in work performance, with some of my patients even receiving promotions. Ultimately, my goal is to support you in achieving a better sense of well-being, improved performance, and a greater sense of control over your life.
If you suspect your child might have ADHD, I understand you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to manage your child's symptoms. Children with ADHD can be impulsive and require constant reminders to complete tasks, hindering their independence. First, we’ll complete a thorough assessment of your child’s needs, and together, we’ll develop a comprehensive treatment plan. I will work with you and your child to develop strategies for managing symptoms and focusing on your child's strengths. The first step of treatment is always psychoeducation (psychological education) to help you and your child better understand and manage their symptoms. Creating a routine and strategies to manage their symptoms will help you and your child feel more capable and confident in their abilities, boosting their self-esteem. Medication can help manage impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Medication can help children with ADHD sit still and stay on track for longer periods, leading to improved performance in school and positive feedback from their teachers. Lifestyle changes and educational interventions can also improve your child’s focus and concentration.
Psychosis
I understand that psychosis can be a difficult and frightening experience for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones. Symptoms include strange or erratic changes in behaviour, talking to oneself, and difficulty communicating or thinking logically. Your loved one may start to withdraw or listen to music constantly to block out hallucinations. They might become paranoid and worry about people hurting or spying on them. If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing psychosis, seeking help as soon as possible is important, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes. I’ve seen many patients with psychosis and schizophrenia who can lead fulfilling lives, but long-term outcomes will depend on the severity of symptoms and their commitment to treatment.
I have specialist experience in helping people with psychosis and schizophrenia, including in high-risk settings such as hospital emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitals. I’m trained to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with psychotic disorders using various approaches, including medication management. I’m also able to recognise and treat any other mental health issues that may be present, such as alcohol and drug misuse or addiction. I work with each individual to identify the underlying cause of their psychosis, such as schizophrenia, traumatic experiences, drug use, or neurological conditions. For example, if the psychosis is related to a medical condition, treating the underlying condition can alleviate the symptoms. In cases of trauma-induced psychosis, treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and low doses of antipsychotic medication can be effective in the short term, followed by therapy to address the underlying trauma. In cases of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychosis, ongoing therapy, social skills training, and occupational therapy can help manage symptoms and promote overall health and well-being.
My approach to treatment
I understand it isn’t always easy to seek out help, and you might be feeling apprehensive about the process. You might feel exhausted or frustrated from dealing with difficult symptoms alone or like you’re not trying hard enough. But I want to reassure you that whatever you’re struggling with, it’s not your fault, and you don’t have to deal with it alone. I strive to create a safe and comfortable environment, so you can receive the help you need from someone committed to your health and well-being. By working together, we can find solutions to help you feel better and overcome these challenges. My door is always open, and I'm here to support you on your journey towards better mental health.
My approach is based on treating people with respect and dignity. I believe you are the leader of your own health, and my role is to provide you with all the options and choices available so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. I emphasise the importance of communication and collaboration because I believe it’s essential for us to work together in order to achieve the best possible outcome. I encourage you to ask questions and voice your concerns, so we can choose an approach you feel comfortable with. I also make sure to explain the diagnosis and treatment process in detail, so that you can understand what to expect from our treatment plan.
What happens during the first consultation?
My first priority is to put you at ease and make you feel you’re in a safe environment. To help you feel more comfortable, I’ll start by introducing myself and asking you some very general questions about your background, such as where you’re from or how many siblings you have. Then we’ll discuss how you would like to proceed with the session and whether you prefer to tell me about your situation or for me to ask questions to guide the conversation. I’ll then ask you about your medical history, your current health concerns, lifestyle habits, and family history. I understand people need to share information at their own pace without feeling rushed or pressured to reveal too much too soon. I always allow enough time for you to relax and express your worries and concerns when you feel comfortable. At the end of the session, we’ll explore options for treatment approaches, and together we’ll decide on a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Personalised treatment plans
Living with a mental health or neurodevelopmental condition can gradually affect every aspect of a person’s life. I take a holistic approach to treatment and look at where changes can be made outside of medication to promote healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and exercise. The first step of treatment is psychoeducation, where I provide information about the symptoms you’re experiencing in-depth and identify any underlying causes or triggering factors. I’ll also provide you with information and resources on how to manage your symptoms better. As part of your treatment plan, I’ll suggest evidence-based treatments that benefit your unique circumstances and needs, such as medication, lifestyle changes, or referrals to a psychologist for therapy.
Medication
I believe the decision to take medication needs to be considered very carefully. Some people may prefer to manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes, but sometimes medication is a huge help to improve your quality of life. You may have questions or concerns about treatment, and in those cases, I make sure to answer all of your questions so you fully understand the risks and benefits of taking medication. I also make sure to discuss any potential side effects and how to manage them. You will then have as much time as you need to consider the treatment plans explained during the appointment. We’ll only start medication once you are comfortable with your choice. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if you want to take medication, but I will always provide you with all the information and support you need to make an informed decision.
Education & Training
I’m a Consultant Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist with eight years of clinical experience. I’m registered with the General Medical Council (GMC, UK) and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (London, UK).
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel extensively during my education and career. From 2019 to 2020, I worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Alexandra Hamilton Hospital in New York and earned a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital from New York University. I also worked as an Emergency Department Psychiatrist in Andorra. Between 2015 to 2019, I was a Psychiatry Teacher for medical students and taught psychiatry trainees at the Hospital Benito Menni in Barcelona, Spain; I received and attended the Early Career Psychiatrist Scholarship Programme at the European Psychiatry Association in Warsaw, Poland; and I received the Psychiatry Trainees Abroad Scholarship in Melbourne, Australia.
Regarding my education, I completed my specialist training in psychiatry at the Germanes Hospitalaries Benito Menni in Barcelona and was given the possibility to travel to the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia to complete the education. I received a Master’s degree in Child and Adult Psychiatry from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and a Master’s in Mental Health Research from Universitat de Barcelona, Spain. Prior to this, I completed my medical training at the Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
As part of my academic career, I’ve authored and co-authored several publications in child and adolescent psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and neuroscience journals. I have also won several travel grants and awards to speak at multiple national and international conferences.
Personal interests
I spend most of my free time playing music. I love to play and learn new pieces and have been involved with several orchestras around the world. I also enjoy learning and performing new magic tricks for friends and family. I love to entertain people with something I have created. I also like to spend time outdoors, going for hikes or bike rides, travelling and exploring new places.
