The Psychiatrist- Dr Hesham Elnazer — Psychiatrist in Southampton, England

I had around 9 appointments over approximately 3 months with Dr Elnazer privately. There were aspects of the experience that I appreciated. Dr Elnazer was empathetic, patient, and gave me a lot of space to explain my history, symptoms, and traumatic experiences at my own pace without rushing me. I also felt validated by the formulation of Complex PTSD, which resonated with many aspects of what I have been struggling with. However, despite the time and financial investment involved, I ultimately left feeling disappointed and unsupported in several major areas. From the beginning, I was very clear about my goals for seeking private psychiatric care: - to better understand and clarify the full picture of my difficulties, - to receive a useful written summary/history to support continuity of care and avoid repeatedly re-explaining everything, - and to explore whether medication adjustments could help reduce the severity of my symptoms enough for me to engage more effectively in therapy and daily functioning. Unfortunately, I do not feel those goals were meaningfully achieved. The approach to medication felt extremely limited and overly conservative given the severity of the symptoms I described, including severe cognitive dysfunction, chronic hyperarousal, overwhelm, executive dysfunction, passive suicidal ideation, inability to function properly at work, and major sleep difficulties. I repeatedly explained that therapy has been very difficult and triggering for me due to the level of cognitive overload and dysregulation I experience, and that my hope was to find some level of stabilisation first so that therapy would become more manageable. Despite this, the focus remained heavily on therapy, while medication discussions felt largely closed down very early. The only medications suggested were Clomipramine and Mirtazapine, despite me clearly expressing concerns about sedation, fatigue, and worsening cognitive fog. When I tried discussing whether there were other possible medication approaches worth considering, I felt these discussions were dismissed very quickly. I was told that “all psychiatric medications are sedating” and that he does not “treat patients like guinea pigs,” which left me feeling as though broader treatment exploration was not really open for discussion despite the complexity of my presentation. Another major frustration was the clinical documentation. After several months of appointments, the initial letter provided to my GP felt extremely brief and omitted many of the major symptoms and impairments discussed repeatedly during consultations. Important long-standing issues such as chronic insomnia/sleep disturbance were not properly reflected despite me struggling with sleep almost every night for years, alongside vivid dreams, frequent awakenings, exhaustion, and significant functional impact. Only after I requested amendments was a more detailed letter produced, although even the revised version still omitted several important difficulties. I also found it frustrating that after I later sent balanced feedback regarding my experience of care, an additional revised letter was generated and billed to my insurance despite me clearly not requesting any further amendment at that stage and expressing feedback only so that other it could help other patients. Unfortunately, the way this was handled administratively, together with the tone of the subsequent correspondence, significantly worsened my overall impression of the service and ultimately contributed to my decision to leave public feedback when initially I had not intended to do so. Overall, I do not think Dr Elnazer is a bad or uncaring psychiatrist. I think he has a cautious treatment philosophy that may suit some patients. However, patients with severe cognitive dysfunction, executive impairment, complex symptoms, medication sensitivity, or those seeking a more collaborative approach may benefit from clarifying expectations early, particularly around communication, documentation, and billing practices throughout the process.

Dr Hesham Elnazer has been an absolute godsend! He diagnosed my ADHD and helped with medication, but more importantly has helped immensely to implement coping strategies and gain a better understanding of my condition and even the benefits it gives me. For the first time in my life I actually like myself, I feel calm and in control and able to handle a busy, challenging career as well as raising two teenagers. After a lifetime of being fobbed off with stress, anxiety, depression and no will power (sugar addiction), I finally feel seen. Dr Hesham Elnazer deals with his patients with such empathy and kindness, in a non-judgemental way. I cannot thank him enough!

l am absolutely happy with the quality of care l received from Dr.Hesham. I suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety, and Dr. Hisham played a big role in helping me return to my normal life. He was always supportive and always there whenever I needed it. Dr.Hesham is very patient and well-versed in helping people overcome their problems in various types of ways. He would do anything to help you solve all types of your issues, not just mental. l highly recommend Dr.Hesham to every one looking for a professional psychiatrist.

Was recently referred to Dr. Elnazer by a friend who got their diagnosis, so I reached out to have an ADHD assessment done. Not only did the doctor confirm that, but also helped my uncover other underlying conditions. Since my diagnosis, I’ve honestly been feeling almost new, I feel understanding blossom in myself, I feel calmer and I feel safe. Dr. Elnazer treated with with kindness, professionalism and respect, he gave me time to re-compose myself as needed during our sessions and he made sure to keep working with me at all times. He reassured me from the get go and I felt finally, after seeing several other specialists in my time, like I am seen and understood. Would recommend to anyone seeking to better understand and support themselves. Thank you so much!!

I was very happy with the advice and treatment I received from Dr Hesham Elnazer. I found him to be warm yet proffecional and answered all my questions and concerns thoroughly. Almost 2 months into my treatment & I have noticed a stark improvement in all aspects of my life. ADHD isn't something I had considered until recent research I was made aware of. I am able to go about my daily life with alot less anxiety and able to enjoy full nights sleep. I had online consultations which I found to be convient. I would absolulty reccomend this service.

I found Dr Elnazer to be extremely professional, but at the same time someone who was able to listen to me and understand what I was trying to say, even when I didn't have the words for my feelings. For the very first time in my 44 years of living, he was the only person, who listened to my very jumbled and chaotic brain and was able to explain to me after giving me a thorough assessment for ADHD, why I have done and still do the things I do due to ADHD. The fact I interrupted, talked alot and fidgeted never stressed him out like it did other psychiatrist's in the past. He always remained calm which had a powerful effect on the way I would mirror that back. His secretary "J" is so amazing and so efficient. Nothing is ever a problem, you receive such prompt, professional with compassionate service at all times. I have felt completely supported throughout my assessment period. Any questions I have had have been answered immediately. The most amazing thing that has come out of all of this is I now understand me, my diagnoses, but amazingly after 18 years of literally not much sleep whatsoever, hospital admissions due to this, diagnoses after diagnoses for sleep conditions, all it took was for a committed psychiatrist like Dr Elnazer to look at my history and look at a diagnoses such as ADHD, prescribed the right medication, and for the first time in 18 years I am now sleeping thru the night like I've never slept before thanks to the diagnoses and meds. So.thank you Dr Elnazer from the bottom of my heart for being someone who has patience, empathy and thr ability to listen to the patient. Thank you "J" for always being so efficient and always keeping things moving to make sure I receive my prescriptions and appointments, but also getting any questions I need answered. Many thanks - Mrs Louise Lacey xx

Dr Hesham Elnazer is extremely professional, compassionate and insightful. I highly recommend his practice.

Very good experience dealing with Dr Hesham, he is very talented, and professional.