Dr Stefan Ivantu

Adult Psychiatrist

Adults 17 years and above
I’m Dr Stefan Ivantu, a Consultant Psychiatrist trained in Oxford UK, with clinical and leadership experience, previously working with Oxford Health.
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ADD/ADHD in Adults
Depression
Anxiety
Complex conditions, including self-harm
Autism in Children & Adolescents

Dr Stefan Ivantu

Adult Psychiatrist

I specialise in adult ADHD, complex cases, treatment-resistant conditions and nutritional psychiatry approaches. With my expertise and support from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, I’ve been responsible for leading in developing a new service tailoring for neurodevelopmental conditions.

When a patient comes to see me, I want them to feel understood and cared for as a whole person, rather than a list of diagnoses. Before treatment starts, I will carefully assess your situation and ask for your perspective, so that I can suggest the most appropriate interventions and tailor treatment according to your needs and way of life. I believe in working collaboratively with my patients, so that we can make decisions regarding treatment together as a team. My approach is always holistic and evidence-based, meaning that treatment is designed to not only improve your mental health but also your quality of life and wellbeing. As a result, I’ve witnessed many of my patients experience a dramatic improvement in their personal relationships, family life, or workplace environment. Often, this also leads to things that they never thought were possible, such as achieving career or business objectives, taking on higher responsibilities, or getting promotions.

I’m a true advocate of using a holistic approach because each patient deserves to be treated and supported as a unique individual

Areas of Expertise

Adult ADHD and comorbidities

I have a special interest in helping adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and complex mental health conditions. I focused the last 3 years of my clinical work on establishing a new adult ADHD service for Oxford Health, with the support of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. I have personally diagnosed and treated hundreds of neurodiverse adult patients, helping them to achieve a better quality of life, overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Many adults with ADHD come to my clinic with symptoms of anxiety, depression or mood instability and multiple diagnoses collected over the years. Approximately one third of patients with ADHD also have undiagnosed ASD. To understand the cause of symptoms I conduct a comprehensive history and assessment, which is carefully tailored to the needs and circumstances of each individual patient. In addition to completing standardised questionnaires, I believe it’s crucial to look beyond the stereotypical symptoms and take into consideration other problems or difficulties that cause distress. I work collaboratively with my patients when creating a treatment plan, so that we can choose the most appropriate and helpful adjustments to your normal routine, work environment, exercise, diet and hobbies. Medication options will be carefully discussed, taking into consideration your circumstances and lifestyle, empowering you with the most up-to-date and evidence-based information.

View the video below to find out what happens during an ADHD assessment:

Complex and treatment-resistant conditions

I have expertise in the treatment and management of complex cases and treatment-resistant conditions, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Bipolar affective disorder, personality disorders and chronic sleep difficulties. My previous experience working in the Complex Needs Service and Emergency Psychiatry means that I’m able to provide support and interventions for patients in crisis with high-risk symptoms such as self-harm and suicidal thoughts or behaviour.

I understand how difficult it can feel for patients and their families to navigate through healthcare services, or trying different treatments without significant progress. I conduct comprehensive assessments using a process called psychological formulation, which is very valuable for forming an accurate diagnosis and identifying the most helpful treatment approach.

Ketogenic diets for mental health

I’m leading the KetoMind Programme at the London Psychiatry Clinic with a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, dieticians and nutritionists, where we are exploring the potential for ketogenic diets to treat mental health conditions. Research into ketogenic diets is an exciting and rapidly growing area within Nutritional Psychiatry, with promising evidence that could potentially lead to ketogenic diets being used as an adjuvant or alternative to conventional treatments, such as medication. If you’re interested in trying a ketogenic diet to treat a mental health condition you can read more about our KetoMind Programme, which is a holistic nutritional psychiatry treatment developed by the London Psychiatry Clinic. The starting date of the program, to be announced.

My approach to mental health

I understand that you might feel anxious or hesitant about seeking support for your mental health. As a Psychiatrist, I want to reassure you that my goal is to make sure that you feel listened to and understood by using a kind, compassionate and non-judgmental approach. I’m curious about who each of my patients are as a person and understand your journey in life, story, daily routine, and what challenges you have faced. Treatment is always conducted at a pace you feel comfortable with, as I believe it’s very important to get to know you before tackling any difficult issues and there is no need to rush.

My approach to therapy is focused on improving communication, relationships, and how the unconscious mind interacts with the conscious in day-to-day life. I also use cognitive analytical therapy to understand what might set you back or prevent you from achieving your goals (such as traps, dilemmas, and snags). I believe that understanding emotions and personal development goals will ensure therapy is fulfilling and helps you to move forward.

Treatment plans

I formulate holistic and bespoke treatment plans in close collaboration with each of my patients, ensuring treatment is tailored to their needs and circumstances so that I can help them achieve a better quality of life and reach their goals. I’ll provide you with multiple evidence-based options for treatment and recommendations, informed by my clinical experience, so that you can choose what approach suits you best. Some of the approaches I use include:

  • General psychiatry: diagnosis and assessment of mental health conditions.
  • Psychoeducation: support and information about the condition so that symptoms can be managed better.
  • Psychotherapy: psychological talking therapies. I predominantly use psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches but also integrate principles of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT).
  • Psychosocial: most important focusing on interpersonal relationships, support networks, and understanding yourself better.
  • Lifestyle interventions: exercise, nutrition and diet, or supplements. Other evidence-based treatments could include things such as using light for managing depression or exploring hobbies and activities that help you to achieve a better quality of life and wellbeing.

My approach to medication

I believe in a collaborative approach where we work together to determine if, and how much, medication is right for you. While medication can be very helpful for improving symptoms in some circumstances, it may be that a non-medical treatment approach would suit better. The benefits and potential risks of any medication will always be discussed with you so that we can weigh up the likelihood of improvement in combination with any side effects. If medication is necessary, I always explain all of your options in detail, combining the latest scientific evidence with my professional view of your unique symptoms and circumstances.

Training and education

I’m a Consultant Psychiatrist, registered with the General Medical Council (GMC, UK). Previously worked and trained in Oxford, UK, last position with the Oxford City Adult Mental Health Team and have been appointed as the Action Learning Facilitator for the Royal College of Psychiatrists Medical Leadership Programme, as well as seeing patients in private practice.

In addition to my clinical work with the London Psychiatry Clinic, I’m also leading the development of the KetoMind Programme. KetoMind is a nutritional psychiatry treatment based on the ketogenic diet, which combines evidence-based medicine with cutting-edge nutritional science.

I’ve been privileged to train and become a registered psychiatrist in one of the most reputable organisations in the UK, the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. Here, I established a new Adult ADHD service as the Programme Lead for Oxford Health, as part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Leadership and Management Fellowship programme. I’ve acquired psychotherapy skills in Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Therapeutic communities and Emotional skills groups.

I’ve developed unique skills in managing different complex mental health conditions, using the holistic approach, helping the client as a whole person, not just their mental health needs. My special interest has been focused on the diagnosis and management of ADHD, along with its associated co-morbidities, developing a good reputation among my peers.

My personal interests

When I’m not working, I’m usually keeping myself up to date with the global financial markets as I find it fascinating how the market reacts to different psychological factors.

I’m also passionate about developing and improving technologies such as telepsychiatry, virtual reality and exploring the metaverse/omniverse potential in providing healthcare and sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint.

Another hobby of mine is playing the tenor saxophone, which has become a spiritual journey and a philosophical exercise. I believe playing music is a fascinating way of expression of both conscious and unconscious.

Patient Stories

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Contact Us

You can contact our practice management team by:


Phone:
+44 20 3488 8555

Text or WhatsApp: +44 7425 919570

Email: enquiries@londonpsychiatry.clinic

Media Enquiries: media@londonpsychiatry.clinic

Fax: 020 3475 1321

We are open:

Monday to Friday (8am - 6pm)

Our location:

55 Harley Street, London, W1G 8QR

We can arrange a brief courtesy call directly with one of our psychiatrists so you can judge for yourself if you feel comfortable talking to them.

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