Dr Alexandra Blackman

Professional background

Dr Blackman qualified in medicine from Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, in 2011 (BMBS), and obtained Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) in 2015.

She undertook postgraduate psychiatric training in London, including the South London and Maudsley training programme. She completed higher specialist training in Forensic Psychiatry in 2020 and was appointed as an NHS consultant in August of that year. She is on the GMC Specialist Register in Forensic Psychiatry (GMC 7136383).

Her experience spans general adult, rehabilitation, community and forensic psychiatry. Her interests include ADHD, diagnostic complexity, coexisting psychiatric conditions and the relationship between physical and mental health.

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Adult ADHD assessment and treatment

At The ADHD & Autism Clinic, Dr Blackman undertakes adult ADHD assessments and provides ADHD treatment and ongoing clinical review. She does not personally undertake autism assessments at the clinic.

She has a longstanding clinical and research interest in recognising ADHD, particularly where difficulties may previously have been overlooked or attributed to other psychiatric or behavioural conditions. She undertook UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) training in the diagnosis and assessment of adults with ADHD in March 2023.

During higher specialist training, she led research examining ADHD screening and diagnostic practices at Broadmoor Hospital, including the challenges of recognising ADHD among people with complex mental health presentations. She was also a trial doctor in the CIAO-II research programme investigating ADHD screening and treatment in a young offender population.

Her approach to adult ADHD assessment considers developmental history, current symptoms, functional impact, coexisting conditions and alternative explanations. Where ADHD is diagnosed, she offers treatment and review tailored to the patient’s clinical needs and preferences.

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Approach to patient care

Dr Blackman aims to provide a supportive, reassuring environment in which patients feel comfortable discussing difficulties that may have affected them for many years. Her approach is compassionate, thorough and individualised, emphasising careful listening and clear communication.

She recognises that adults seeking ADHD assessment may have experienced years of uncertainty about their symptoms or previously received other explanations. Her objective is to develop an accurate and meaningful understanding of each person’s difficulties, rather than assume that every assessment must result in a diagnosis.

She works collaboratively with patients to explain clinical findings, discuss treatment options where indicated and develop recommendations appropriate to their individual circumstances.

NHS clinical experience

Dr Blackman has worked as a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust since August 2020, within the Forensic Outreach and Liaison Service. Her work includes assessment, clinical formulation and multidisciplinary management of individuals with complex psychiatric needs in the community.

Her specialist training included placements at Broadmoor Hospital, Bethlem Royal Hospital and low-secure psychiatric services. She has also worked in general adult psychiatry, older adult psychiatry, rehabilitation and psychiatric intensive care, including specialist services for women.

This breadth of experience informs her approach to psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis and treatment planning.

Patient reviews on Doctify

Medical education and professional leadership

Dr Blackman is a GMC-recognised trainer and has been a Lead Educational Supervisor within Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust since August 2025. She provides educational supervision to doctors in training and contributes to the quality of postgraduate medical education.

She served as Interim Undergraduate Lead from December 2024 to August 2025, with some responsibilities continuing until December 2025. She has contributed to teaching, clinical skills training, examination preparation and educational programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate doctors.

Earlier in her career, she was Vice-President of the Maudsley Junior Doctors Committee and participated in projects concerning medical education, service development, patient safety and the relationship between psychiatry and the arts.

Research and academic publications

Dr Blackman has contributed to research on ADHD screening and diagnosis, psychiatric law and physical healthcare in mental health services. Her work includes research on ADHD in high-security settings and participation in the CIAO-II ADHD study.

Her peer-reviewed publications concern the Mental Capacity Act and its interface with mental health legislation, and the prevalence of diabetes and abnormal glucose metabolism in psychiatric inpatients. Her academic work reflects an interest in clinical accuracy, evidence-based practice and the physical health of people receiving psychiatric care.

Independent psychiatric and medico-legal work

Alongside clinical practice, Dr Blackman undertakes independent psychiatric expert witness assessments and prepares reports for legal proceedings. Her medico-legal experience includes civil and criminal matters and complex questions concerning psychiatric diagnosis, mental capacity and the relationship between mental disorder and behaviour. This requires impartial appraisal of evidence and clear communication of psychiatric opinions.

Selected academic publications and research

2019 — Mental capacity and mental health law

Blackman, A. and Dodge, L. (2019). The Mental Capacity Act: applications and interface with the Mental Health Act. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 80(6), C93–C95.
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2017 — Physical health of psychiatric inpatients

Roberts, E., Jones, L., Blackman, A. et al. (2017). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and abnormal glucose metabolism in the inpatient psychiatric setting: a systematic review and meta-analysis. General Hospital Psychiatry, 45, 76–84.
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2020 — ADHD in a high-secure setting

Research project on ADHD screening and diagnosis at Broadmoor Hospital, presented at a regional research conference in 2019 and listed as a poster at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Forensic Psychiatry Faculty Conference in March 2020.

CIAO-II — ADHD in young offenders

Trial doctor in the CIAO-II research programme examining ADHD screening and treatment in young offenders.