Dr Andrew Parker

Publications

Parker AJR,Marshall EJ & Ball, DM. (2008) Diagnosis and management of alcohol use disorders. BMJ Vol 336: 496-501.

Parker AJR, Cleare A & Wessely S (2001). The Neuroendocrinology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Psychological Medicine. Vol 31(8), 1331-1345. (Cited over 90 times)

Parker AJR. (2007) Sexual Disorders. In The Mind: A User’s Guide, Ed. Raj Persaud. Transworld.

Parker AJR & Mitcheson L (2007) Beginning Recovery – A guide for all those affected by substance misuse. Published by Success in Recovery Ltd. (A 40 page self-help book)

Parker AJR (2009) Twelve Step and insight-Oriented Groups. In The Principles and practice of Group Work in Addictions, Ed. Hill R & Harris J. Routledge. (Forthcoming - Commissioned chapter.)

Biography

Dr Andrew Parker trained in Medicine at Guy’s & St Thomas’s Hospitals, London, and went on to complete his postgraduate training in General Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry at The Maudsley Hospital and at the Institute of Psychiatry, London. Dr Andrew Parker also holds a first class honours degree in Psychology, and a Masters degree in Philosophy of Mind. He is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and is recognised as a specialist in General Adult Psychiatry and Substance Misuse Psychiatry by the General Medical Council.

In addition to working in private practice, Dr Andrew Parker is a part-time Consultant Psychiatrist at South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, and teaches at St George’s, University of London.

Dr Andrew Parker has published academic papers in leading medical journals, as well as self-help material for the general public.

Personal statement

I feel very fortunate to be working in the field of mental health, and with such inspiring people – both patients and colleagues. The enthusiasm that I have for my work comes principally from one aspect – being able to observe people recover, feel well again, and thrive. And contrary to popular myth, people do recover from even the most serious mental health conditions. This is especially rewarding to observe when a person had previously lost all hope, or been at “rock bottom”.

I regard myself as working in partnership with the individual. Thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis are important, but these are only useful if I also get to know the person and their context. I regard us both as ‘experts’, and I find that the best results usually occur when the person feels empowered to choose their treatment (having been given good information and advice), and, if necessary, to make changes to their life to support recovery back to health.

In my spare time I play rugby, travel, and read philosophy books, all of which help to keep me on the “straight and narrow”.