Dr Christos Kouimtsidis MBBS, MSc, MRCPsych, CCST, PhD is a Consultant Psychiatrist for adults with mental health problems and he has a speciality in the treatment of drugs and alcohol addiction. After completing his medical training at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece in 1990, Christos has gone onto further training in the UK. He completed his psychiatric training at Guys and St Thomas (UMDS) rotation scheme alongside obtaining his MSc (1997) before moving to St George’s University (SGUL) for his senior training in addictions, from where he received his CCST in 2002. He completed his PhD at King’s College London (KCL) in 2009.
Experience
Since 2002 Dr Christos has held Consultant jobs in the NHS and honorary Senior Lecturer positions. In 2012 he started his private practice.
NHS:
2002-2012 Hertfordshire Partnership University Trust
2012-now; Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust
Academic:
2002-2007: Hon. Senior Lecturer at SGUL
2007-2012: Hon. Senior Lecturer KCL
2013-2016: Hon Senior Research Associate UCL
2016-now: Hon. Senior Lecturer Imperial College London
2018-now: Hon. Senior Lecturer University of St Andrews, Scotland
Area of expertise
His main research interest is the hybrid models of addiction, meaning the combination of biological and psychological understanding and treatment. He has introduced the concept of structured preparation before alcohol detox (SPADe) and that of pre-habilitation in addictions.
Dr Christos has performed a number of randomised controlled trials into addiction treatments. He has a research budget exceeding £1.5 million and more than 60 peer reviewed publications as well as editorials and book chapters/books.
Personal treatment philosophy
A holistic, person centred, hybrid, theory-based approach, including family interventions.
Why this particular specialism?
This is a great evolutionary challenge. We are made to develop addictive behaviours but only brave people choose to change. To that effect they deserve our respect and support.
What makes a ‘good day’ at the office ‘for you’?
As a clinician the best reward is to see clients and families moving forward and changing.
What piece of advice do you most often give to your patients?
We are vulnerable to develop automatized behaviours/addictions. This is the price to pay for being able to learn. Choosing to change behavioural patterns requires courage, deserves respect and needs support.