ADHD/ASD/ADOS assessments Archives

Navigating Perinatal Psychiatry and Fabricated Illness

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the intersection of psychiatry and law becomes increasingly vital. At Expert In Mind, we are committed to providing invaluable resources to legal professionals, and our upcoming webinar promises to be no exception. On April 19th, join us for an enlightening session as we delve into the complex world of perinatal psychiatry and fabricated illness.

Hosted by the esteemed Dr. Musters, a Consultant Adult and Perinatal Psychiatrist with extensive experience in both clinical and medico-legal practice, this webinar is poised to offer unparalleled insights into critical areas of concern for legal practitioners and mental health experts alike.

In this compelling session, Dr. Musters will explore four pivotal areas:

Parents’ Mental Health in Family Law Proceedings: Family law cases often involve sensitive issues related to parental mental health. Dr. Musters will provide valuable perspectives on navigating these complexities within the legal framework.
Psychiatric Injuries Following Obstetric Negligence: Obstetric negligence can have profound psychiatric consequences for patients. Dr. Musters will shed light on the psychiatric ramifications of such negligence and its implications for legal proceedings.
Psychiatric Care Breaches of Duty: Instances of breached psychiatric care demand careful scrutiny. Dr. Musters will offer expert insights into assessing breaches of duty and their implications in legal contexts.
Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII): Formerly known as Munchausen By Proxy, FII presents unique challenges in both psychiatric and legal realms. Dr. Musters’ expertise in this area will provide invaluable guidance for navigating these complex cases.

Dr. Musters, renowned for his extensive knowledge and experience, is poised to deliver a wealth of captivating and thought-provoking insights. His expertise extends beyond clinical practice to include medico-legal assessments, making him an invaluable resource for legal professionals seeking clarity and accuracy in their cases.

With a Master’s Degree in Culture and Health, with a particular focus on transcultural psychiatry, Dr. Musters brings a nuanced understanding of diverse backgrounds and experiences to his practice. His involvement in the Royal College of Psychiatrists Expert Reference Group on Factitious and Induced Illness further underscores his dedication to advancing understanding in this complex field.

Beyond his professional accolades, Dr. Musters’ commitment to patient care is evident in his role as clinical lead for the specialist Perinatal service in the East London borough of Newham. His expertise in managing patients with psychotic illness, severe mood disorders, and personality disorders underscores his holistic approach to mental health care.

As legal professionals strive to secure the best outcomes for their clients, the insights offered in this webinar are invaluable. Whether you’re grappling with family law cases, clinical negligence proceedings, or complex psychiatric assessments, Dr. Musters’ expertise will provide the clarity and guidance you need.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of perinatal psychiatry and fabricated illness. Reserve your spot by clicking here and embark on a journey of enlightenment with Dr. Musters as your guide. Spaces are limited, so secure your place now for an enriching and informative experience.

Contact us Today!

Expert In Mind is the leading provider of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists to the legal sector throughout the UK. Our exceptional service and specialized knowledge can save you precious time and help you get the best outcome for your client.

Our highly experienced Experts, personal service, and strict recruitment criteria ensure the highest standard of report for your case. Contact us today to learn how we can help you by visiting our website, or call us on 01424 444130.

We look forward to working alongside you.

Announcing the opening of our ADHD Clinic

“Breaking Ground: Expert in Mind Unveils Game-Changing Sister Venture – The ADHD Clinic!”

Expert in Mind is excited to introduce its latest venture, The ADHD Clinic. Recognising the increasing demand for ADHD assessments and the prolonged waiting lists within the NHS, we are thrilled to offer a solution. With almost 16 years of experience in organizing mental health assessments and providing ADHD assessments through the clinical division of our business, establishing a dedicated clinic was a logical step forward.

Our team of ADHD specialists, who have consistently demonstrated excellence, can trust us to operate this clinic with precision and efficiency. This endeavour reflects our commitment to addressing the growing need for accessible and timely ADHD assessments, ensuring individuals receive the care they require without unnecessary delays.

Dr. Sajid Suleman, a dedicated Consultant Psychiatrist with a wealth of experience in diagnosing ADHD since 2008, stands as a passionate advocate for the subject. Driven by a commitment to delivering assessments of the highest quality in adherence to NICE Guidelines, he will be at the helm of our distinguished team comprising 15 accomplished psychiatrists and psychologists. Together, they share a collective dedication to ensuring excellence in ADHD assessments and contributing to the wellbeing of those seeking our services.

For adults, we offer two tiers of assessment. Tier 1 is a multi-disciplinary assessment. The client has an appointment with a psychologist, and then an appointment with a psychiatrist, who will complete a joint report giving a comprehensive and nuanced perspective.

Neurodevelopmental difficulties are largely cognitive constructs diagnosed based on (mainly) observable behavioural symptoms. In simple terms – neurodevelopmental difficulties are problems with how our brain develops and we figure this out mainly by looking at how people behave in certain situations. A Psychologist can carry out various psychometrics and can also complete cognitive assessments to look at impairments associated with ADHD. Their extensive training in behavioural and cognitive theory allows for a more in-depth evaluation, ensuring a holistic understanding of an individual’s challenges.

A psychiatrist, with their medical training, brings a unique viewpoint to the assessment, examining aspects from a clinical and physiological standpoint. A psychiatrist is medically trained and will undertake a structured medical assessment of your mental health and psychiatric history. This means that the doctor will look at other health conditions, especially mental health conditions, which may either exist alongside possible ADHD or exist instead of ADHD. For example, if people have depression and/or anxiety that is not responding to standard treatments, sometimes this is because ADHD is present and needs to be treated first to enable other conditions to be treated subsequently.

The collaboration between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, (supplemented by input from a trusted, familiar person, and the completion of targeted questionnaires) is exceptionally thorough. It offers patients a more detailed understanding of their presentation, diagnosis, behaviours, and cognitions, enhancing the overall quality of care and paving the way for a tailored intervention plan.

This thorough approach facilitates personalised support for your journey; a psychologist making in depth and specific recommendations for work and/or education focusing on the social emotional and practical difficulties associated with ADHD; a psychiatrist recommending and prescribing medication based on an assessment of its potential benefits, diligently monitoring its effectiveness, and observing progress and improvements to ensure optimal outcomes.

For those seeking a more expedited process and a concise report, we proudly introduce our tier 2 assessments. In this streamlined approach, assessments are conducted solely by a psychiatrist. While the medical expertise ensures a high standard, it may not delve as deeply as our tier 1 assessments, where both a psychiatrist and psychologist collaborate to provide a more comprehensive perspective. Opting for tier 2 assessments offers a quicker route without compromising quality, catering to individuals who prioritise efficiency in their evaluation process.

In catering to children, our team boasts highly experienced child and adolescent psychiatrists committed to delivering meticulous and comprehensive assessments. Beyond a structured interview, our approach involves a thorough examination of school records, medical histories, and in-depth discussions with parents. To ensure a comprehensive understanding, questionnaires will also need to be completed. Our dedication to the holistic evaluation of each child underscores our commitment to providing the highest standard of care in the assessment process.

We are thrilled to introduce the inclusion of QbTests in our services—a computer based diagnostic screening tool that meticulously gauges the three core symptoms of ADHD: activity, attention, and impulsivity. Beyond initial assessments, QbTests prove to be exceptionally valuable in monitoring the impact of prescribed medications on an individual’s ADHD symptoms. As a cutting-edge method, QbTests are spearheading the evolution of ADHD assessments, offering a precise evaluation of activity associated with ADHD and signalling a progressive approach for the future.

At the core of our business, we uphold values that embody professionalism, knowledge, clarity, and respect. Recognising the financial considerations associated with ADHD assessments, we’re pleased to introduce a convenient finance option, making the assessment process more accessible. To enhance transparency, we’ve outlined post-diagnosis costs on our website, detailing expenses related to follow-up appointments, the treatment process, and review appointments for individuals seeking ADHD treatment.

Throughout your journey, rest assured that our dedicated team will provide unwavering support, ensuring you’re well-informed and cared for at every step. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to making the entire process as clear and supportive as possible.

If you would like to know more, or book an assessment, contact the team on office@theadhdclinic.co.uk or visit our website www.theadhdclinic.co.uk

Contact us Today!

We look forward to working alongside you.

Happy New Year from Expert in Mind

As we approach the end of the year 2023, we at Expert In Mind would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners, staff, and customers for another successful year of partnership. Happy New Year to you all. It has been a privilege to work with you all, and we are proud of the achievements we have accomplished together.

Expert In Mind is an award-winning company that provides the legal sector with experts in psychiatry and psychology. We have a panel of reputable experts selected for their experience in the field of mental health. Our team provides an expert witness and specialist assessment service, supporting the legal profession and public sector, corporate clients, insurance services, as well as private individuals throughout the UK.

Thank you to all of our clients

We are grateful for the trust and confidence that our clients have shown in us. The team understands the importance of our work and the impact it has on people’s lives. We take pride in knowing that our services have made a difference. Our team is committed to continuing to provide the highest level of expertise and support to our clients.

As we reflect on the past year, we are proud of the progress we have made as a company. We have expanded our services, increased our team, and continued to provide excellent service to our clients. Furthermore, we are also proud of the contributions we have made to our community. Supporting mental health initiatives and giving back to those in need.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our staff. We are grateful for their hard work and passion for their jobs. We are fortunate to have a team of experts who are committed to providing the best possible service to our clients. Their expertise and professionalism are truly invaluable.

We would also like to thank our partners for their support and collaboration. We value the relationships we have built over the years and look forward to continuing to work together to achieve our goals.

Finally, we extend our appreciation to our customers. Your loyalty and trust in us are what motivates us to continue to provide the best service possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with you and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.

As we approach the new year, we wish everyone a happy and healthy 2024. We are excited about the opportunities and challenges that the future holds and are confident that together, we can continue to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Thank you once again for your support, loyalty, and commitment throughout the year. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.

Contact us Today!

We look forward to working alongside you.

The Great Post Office Scandal – The Human Cost (Unmissable!)

The Great Post Office Scandal is the story of how these innocent people had their lives ruined by a once-loved national institution and how, against overwhelming odds, they fought back to clear their names.

Nick Wallis, best known for his work on the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, joins us and we are honoured to announce that he will host this informative and frankly mind blowing webinar on the Post Office Scandal.

On 23rd April 2021, the Court of Appeal quashed the convictions of 39 former Subpostmasters and ruled their prosecutions were an affront to the public conscience.

They had been prosecuted by the Post Office using IT evidence from an unreliable computer system called Horizon. However, when the Post Office became aware that Horizon didn’t work properly, it covered it up.

Nick describes how a group of Subpostmasters worked out what was going on. Formed a campaign group and fought the government-owned Post Office through the courts to eventual victory.

The Great Post Office Scandal has been described as “an extraordinary journalistic exposé of a huge miscarriage of justice” by Ian Hislop, Editor of Private Eye Magazine. Dame Joan Bakewell says “Nick’s narrative has the power of a great thriller as he lays bare the lies and deceit that has ruined so many lives.”

A taster of what you can expect:

Nick is a regular correspondent on The One Show, was the first journalist to take BBC television cameras inside GCHQ and has a long running show, ‘Caught on Camera’.
He is perhaps best known for his work on The Post Office Horizon scandal. In 2020 he fronted a ten-part series for BBC Radio 4. A BBC Panorama and he co-wrote a Private Eye Special.
In 2021 Nick published a book titled The Great Post Office Scandal. We are honoured to announce that he will host this informative and mind blowing webinar on the Post Office Scandal.
Discover the real truth behind the scandal. The huge impact it has taken on the sub postmasters and their families alike.
This fascinating talk by Nick is truly unmissable. It gives an insight into the fascinating legal journey and the impacts on the mental health of so many.
Concludes with an interactive Q&A session

We have ensured that considerable time is set aside at the end of our webinar for a Q&A session.

During this time you will have the chance to directly engage with Nick and get all the answers you are looking for regarding the scandal. Here you will be able to delve deeper into a particular concept, or simply share your thoughts.

Take the opportunity to learn the facts by Nick himself, and join us on Friday the 29th of September 2023 at 9.30am – 11.30am GMT by copy/pasting or clicking on this link for full information and to register – https://www.workcast.com/register?cpak=7155840553507442 today.

We look forward to seeing you.

Contact us Today!

Expert In Mind is the leading provider of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists to the legal sector throughout the UK. Our exceptional service and specialized knowledge saves you precious time and helps you get the best outcome for your client.

We look forward to working alongside you.

The Importance of Pride Month for Mental Health

Pride celebrations, festivals and marches dominate the calendar in the summer months and especially in July. If you are a member of the LGBITQ+ community, this can stir up all sorts of emotions. Although there is much to be proud of and celebrate, it’s important to remember that there is still progress to be made towards achieving true equality. By pondering what Pride means to us and to our community, we can initiate new dialogue, gain fresh perspectives, and explore new opportunities for growth and learning.

Why we celebrate Pride

Historically, LGBITQ+ identities were considered by psychology professionals to be mental illnesses. It wasn’t until 1990, when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. Unfortunately, to this day, 67 jurisdictions still criminalize same-sex sexual activity, with 42 of those countries prohibiting consensual sexual activity between women. Shockingly, 11 of those countries (https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/17/lgbtq-death-penalty-idahobit/) even impose the death penalty for queer individuals. As a result, the LGBITQ+ community has faced threats, abuse, mistreatment, detention, punishment, social exclusion, and even death.

As such, celebrating Pride is an opportunity to highlight the diverse lives of LGBITQ+ individuals and acknowledge the beauty and joy of the community. It’s a way to show the importance of acceptance and inclusion, which is especially crucial in the face of negative and prejudiced messages about LGBITQ+ people.

Pride History

Pride has its own significant history that is important to remember. After all, for many years Pride was effectively also a protest. The first Pride happened in 1970, to mark a year since the Stonewall Uprising, where LGBITQ+ people protested the discrimination and violence they were experiencing from the police.

In 1972, the UK’s first Pride march took place in London. As well as a celebration, it was a protest against the unfair treatment of LGBITQ+ people. Male homosexuality stopped being illegal in England and Wales in 1967, but in 1972 it was still illegal in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Being gay was still classed as a ‘mental illness’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) until 1992 – and they didn’t stop classifying being transgender as a mental illness until 2019.

Society made lots of people feel ashamed of who they were because being gay, queer, or trans was seen as being wrong, which in turn had an adverse effect on their mental health.

For this and many other reasons, Pride protests have been important in securing the rights of LGBITQ+ people across the world. People continue to protest through Pride marches because LGBTIQ+ people still face discrimination and inequality in the UK and around the world.

Issues LGBTIQ+ people face

Being LGBTIQ+ does not automatically mean someone will have mental health issues, but does nonetheless mean that they are at higher risk of experiencing poor mental health, than other societal groups.

As a clear indication of this, a study conducted by Stonewall (Take Pride report 2022) found that over the previous year:

half of LGBTIQ+ people had experienced depression, and three in five had experienced anxiety
one in eight LGBTIQ+ people aged 18 to 24 had attempted to end their life
almost half of trans people had thought about taking their life
Hate crime
Accessing healthcare

Pride month mental health benefits

There are a plethora of mental health benefits that can be derived from pride month, some of which have also been scientifically documented. So let’s have a look at a list our team have created for you below:

Connection: Several studies demonstrate the link between loneliness, poor mental health and early mortality. As it is often the case. LGBITQ+ people can feel disconnected from friends and family, and find social acceptance difficult to come. Causes such as pride month, enable them to feel a sense of inclusion and community through events, marches, articles and media focus. Even though taking part can initially be intimidating, the relatability, common interests, affirmation and human connection can be a tremendous confidence boost.

Identity: Lack of affirmation and constant abuse and questioning of one’s identity can often lead to a suffering mental health. As such, being alongside others on the same or similar path, can help LGBTQ+ to move between stages and reach a point where they are able to be proud and non-fearful of their identity.

Representation: Living in a society that adheres to hetero-normative and cis-normative standards makes it challenging to find individuals who share the same experiences. When we see others like ourselves represented, it gives us a sense of belonging and the confidence to pursue our goals fully. This can be the inspiration we need to take significant steps in our personal and professional lives, whether it be at school, work, or home.

Role models: Pride is a time of celebration, where we share our stories and listen to those who have overcome hardships to lead authentic lives. These stories can motivate us to take an important step in our journey towards personal pride.

Conclusion

The LGBTIQ+ community faces a higher risk of mental health problems. For example, depression, self-harm, alcohol, and drug abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Pride has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits for LGBTIQ+ individuals and the community as a whole. Not only does Pride help secure equal rights, which is crucial for their well-being. It also provides a platform for people to celebrate the best parts of being LGBITQ+. This includes acceptance, belonging, community, and joy! If you’re looking to explore your feelings or simply need a safe space to talk, psychotherapy is a great option, no matter where you are on your journey.

Contact us Today!

Our highly experienced Experts, personal service, and strict recruitment criteria ensure the highest standard of report for your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you by visiting our website, or simply give us a call on 01424 444130.

We look forward to working alongside you.

The intricacies of PTSD and Trauma – Webinar

The intricacies of PTSD and Trauma – hosted by Professor Walter Busuttil

Consultant Psychiatrist & Visiting Professor at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at Kings College London
Friday 15th September 2023 – 9.30am – 11.30am GMT

Professor Walter Busuttil has not only published extensively but has lectured nationally and internationally about treatment and rehabilitation of military personnel, veterans, military families and survivors of traumatic stress suffering from chronic and complex presentations of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Professor Busuttil served for 16 years in the RAF qualifying as a military psychiatrist. He was part of the team that set up rehabilitation services for Gulf War combatants and the British Beirut hostages.

He was appointed as Director of Medical Services at Combat Stress in 2007 and led the setting up of UK-wide cutting-edge community and residential clinical services and a research department.

In August 2020, he became Director of Research and Training. Earlier this year, Professor Busuttil was appointed visiting Professor to the Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience at Kings College London.

Webinar:

We are excited to invite you to join us for an exclusive webinar hosted by one of the leading experts, both nationally and internationally, in PTSD and trauma.

Discover the transformative power of knowledge by immersing yourself in our first webinar, meticulously crafted to unravel the complex tapestry and multifaceted dimensions of PTSD and trauma.

Professor Busuttil will also discuss the intricate similarities between PTSD and other conditions such as Psychosis and BPD; illuminating the complex identification between such interconnected symptoms.

Our esteemed host, a trailblazing specialist in PTSD and trauma, will be sharing his unparalleled knowledge and unwavering passion for this field. A taster of what you can expect:

Early interventions – Ukraine War Civilians, COVID-19, Earthquake and Disaster Victims, Military Combatants
Classification– Complex PTSD, Trauma Related Grief
Emerging concepts – Moral Injury
Physical illness and PTSD
Use of medications
CPTSD Treatment
Psychedelic assisted therapies
Similarities between PTSD and closely connected conditions
General points about medico-legal expert witness practice
Online vs in person assessments
Interactive discussion

We have set time aside at the end of our webinar for a Q&A session.

During this time you will have the unique opportunity to directly engage with the host and seek clarification on any aspects that may require further elaboration, delve deeper into a particular concept, or simply share your thoughts.

So do join our webinar and register your interest for the event, by clicking here.

We look forward to seeing you.

Contact us Today!

We look forward to working alongside you.

Providing Expert Psychiatry and Psychology Services to the Legal Sector

Expert In Mind is an award-winning company that provides highly experienced Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists to the legal sector throughout the UK. We understand the pressure that legal professionals are under, and our exceptional service and specialized knowledge can save you precious time and help you get the best outcome for your client.

Our Experts specialise in an extremely broad range of areas, from mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to schizophrenia and attachment disorders. We are essential in uniting professionals and provide a unique personal service that makes the difference to legal and medical Experts nationwide.

Our experience in this sector, and the in-depth knowledge of our panel, ensures that we provide you with the most suitable Expert Psychiatrist or Psychologist for your case. In the first instance, our knowledgeable admin team responds to enquiries in a timely fashion, providing CVs of the most suitable Experts for your case, along with timescales and fee information, including a complete assessment estimate if required.

Once you instruct one of our Experts, as each Expert is assigned a personal case manager, you will deal with one person, who is fully versed with case details, for the entirety of the case. This ensures a seamless, time-saving, stress-free process for you and the Expert whilst enabling you to receive reliable and professionally examined reports.

We are immensely proud of having some of the UK’s most highly regarded Experts on our panel and ensure that all Experts meet our strict recruitment criteria to assure the highest standard of report.

Our Services

Expert In Mind provides Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists to a variety of legal professionals who require their expertise in a range of cases. Our services include:

Medico-legal reports: We offer a panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists, many of whom are considered among the best in their field with the experience necessary to provide high quality, comprehensive medico-legal reports. Experts frequently provide reports which provide instrumental to the outcome of a case.

Psychiatric experts: Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who have specialised and qualified in psychiatry. Psychiatry itself is the study of mental health problems and their diagnosis, management and prevention. Psychiatrists are able to assess both the mental and physical effects of a disorder, and their link to each other.

Psychological experts: Our Psychologists are experienced in assessing families as well as individual adults and children. All Experts are carefully selected for their experience, report quality and reputation within their field of expertise.

Clinical supervision: Expert in Mind is committed to supporting our Experts across the UK and providing them with to continuous expert quality improvement. In consequence, we have created a panel of senior Experts who are pleased to offer clinical supervision services to all members of our Expert Witness panel.

Fitness to plea: This type of assessment is used to establish whether, from a mental health perspective, an individual has the capacity to understand the proceedings with which they are involved and if they are fit to stand trial.

ADHD/ASD/ADOS assessments: A neurodevelopmental assessment looks at different areas of functioning to establish strengths and weaknesses following concerns about development, or an illness/injury that may have affected the brain. This type of assessment can be used to identify any of the following: Intellectual disability (Learning Disability), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Our services can be utilised in a plethora of different legal cases, so of which we have listed below, including:

Personal injury
Medical Negligence
Family Proceedings
Pre-Proceedings
Criminal Proceedings
Immigration & Asylum
Housing
Disability Discrimination Act cases
Employment Law
High Profile Cases
Employment Tribunals
Mental Health Act Appeals
Occupational Health Reports
Assessments for the Coroner

Why Choose Expert In Mind?

At Expert In Mind, we pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional service that saves you time and helps you achieve the best outcome for your client. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose us:

Highly experienced Experts with a broad range of specialisations
A personal service that makes the difference to legal and medical Experts
Knowledgeable admin team that responds to enquiries within an hour
Strict recruitment criteria to assure the highest standard of report
Assigned personal case managers for each case
Seamless, time-saving, and stress-free process for you and the Expert

Contact us Today!

We look forward to working alongside you.