I assess and treat the range of adult mental health problems but specialise in mood and anxiety conditions. The former includes low moods / depression of all causes, and bipolar illness. There is a spectrum of anxiety disorders, which includes panic attacks, generalised and social anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
My expertise is in making careful assessments, to be sure what contributes to the problem (for example a medical condition, life problems, a psychiatric illness) and to determine what kind of treatment will be of most value, whether it be a talking therapy or medication. I work very collaboratively with whoever is seeing me, and we work out a treatment plan together. Generally, this happens during the first one and a half hour appointment. I have a special expertise in using medication, especially antidepressants. There are many medications and often it is necessary to try a few before finding one that works best without side effects, for example numbness or sexual difficulties. Often Citalopram, Sertraline or Fluoxetine, the drugs most commonly used by GPs are not the best solution. I work closely with psychologists and therapists based between Priory facilities. They use a range of psychological treatments.