Welcome to my Blog area. I hope you find these articles of interest.
There are many recent developments in depression treatment. Depression is a prevalent and challenging mental health disorder. Globally, it affects millions of people. Although traditional
What is your understanding of personalised medicine? This is where treatments are tailored to the persons unique genetic makeup, also accounting for environmental and lifestyle
Suicide in female doctors is a significant and concerning issue that has gained increasing attention. Studies and reports indicate that female doctors have a higher rate
You know that I am keen for all of us to invest in young people, they are our future. With the A level results last
Mushrooms have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. Their unique flavours and textures and health benefits is why they continue
Dementia is a variety of conditions characterised by cognitive decline, (impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with daily activities) leading to
The Opening Ceremony, to Friday’s Olympic Games, had a theme of peace. This is not new. The concept of the Olympic truce dates to ancient
An increasing number of adults are being diagnosed and treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Historically it was viewed as a childhood condition. Now,
For those who do not like Mondays!
Today marks the end of Alcohol Awareness Week Alcohol has an impact on our families, communities, and healthcare systems. This week is to try and increase awareness
The General Election is on Thursday 4th July 2024. There is no legal requirement for early general elections to take place on a Thursday. By default,
This week, 24th to 30th June, marks Deafblind Awareness Week in the UK. It is a chance to learn more about deafblindness, the experiences of people who live with it, and
Nearly 90% of school pupil absences are due to poor mental health. The mental health of young people has deteriorated since the pandemic. Headteachers site
This week on 6th June it will be 80 years since D-Day. The operation involved over 150,000 troops from allied nations. Its aim was to establish
Why is getting out and meeting people good for you? There can be isolation with virtual working and socialising. The importance of face-to-face can be underestimated.
Today is the last day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024. The week is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and promoting better mental health
Two months ago, The Mental State of the World in 2023, was published. We are all concerned and interested about this following the pandemic, lockdowns
This annual campaign is prominent in the USA but less so here. We, in the UK, have Mental Health Awareness Week, beginning on 13th May 2024.
This week I attended the Royal College of Psychiatrists “Better Data, Better Care” conference. The college has many audits covering many aspects including management of
The arrival of a baby is often celebrated as a joyous occasion. But for some new parents, this time can be overshadowed by feelings of
The NHS is prohibited from selling patient data for commercial gain. The focus is on using patient data securely to improve healthcare. However, when it
Today is World Health Day. It is observed annually on April 7th a global health awareness day celebrated under the auspices of the World Health
Yesterday was World Bipolar Day, this day was chosen as it was Vincent van Gogh’s birthday and he was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder.
Synthetic Opiate Painkillers The United Nations has warned of a world-wide problem with accidental overdoses of synthetic opiates, and the UK is the second nation
Celebrating International Women’s Day Friday was International Women’s Day. This is celebrated annually on March 8th. It is dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of
Young People’s Education and Mental Health Outcomes This week The Resolution Foundation concluded that to improve the lives of young people there should be more
Peace or chaos? I recall someone telling me how embarrassed she was taking foreign dignitaries round the Houses of Parliament, particularly the House of Commons.
Mental Health at University Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and as awareness grows, the need for effective mental health care provision
Children’s Mental Health Week and shortage of ADHD medication As the Children’s mental health week finishes a topical subject is ADHD and its management. For
Xanomeline-trospium, a new treatment for schizophrenia The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a New Drug Application (NDA) for KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) for the
UK is at risk of becoming a “burnt-out nation” A YouGov poll of 2,060 adults, 1,132 workers, found 35% had high or extreme pressures at
A Ray of Hope for Depression? There is research on the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in the treatment of depression. Traditionally associated recreational use,
Keeping your New Year’s resolutions It is Sunday 14th January 2024, and many will have not maintained their New Year’s Resolutions. Why is this? We can
NHS future funding Private firms are looking for opportunities to invest in the NHS. If this occurs, how do we ensure that the quality and
As the year draws to a close…. There will be lots of people who will or have celebrated their successes this year and others who
How Poverty and Mental Health are linked Consider this and it is obvious. The basic needs, food and shelter if not available can have serious
International Men’s Health Day This year’s International Men’s Health Day theme is zero male suicide. International Men’s Health Day is an annual observance held on
Attention deficit hyperactivity and getting older ADHD symptoms change with age. The symptoms do not usually increase. Symptoms, such as hyperactivity, may improve with age. Working memory
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month In November, there is an awareness campaign called, “Movember” which is to raise awareness of male illnesses, including those illnesses
Gepirone Hydrochloride, a not so novel antidepressant! Last month, September 2023, the FDA approved gepirone hydrochloride for major depression. It should be available to patients
The benefit of being in a team Last week I met with a new team I hope to be part of. It was a lot
Embracing neurodiversity Friday last week I went to The Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry Special Interest Group Autumn Conference. It was really informative with many speakers talking about
Mental Health This Tuesday, 10th October 2023, is World Mental Health Day. This is a day that is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health
Get out and about! Have you experienced “cabin fever” when it is raining outside and you stay inside or you have too much work to
International Week of Happiness at Work Do you know about this? How widely publicised is it? The International Week of Happiness at Work is a
Optimism Last Sunday was World Suicide Prevention Day 2023. It is every 10th September and was started by International Association for Suicide Prevention and WHO
The benefits of maintenance With schools returning from the summer holidays this week there has been a concern over the safety of the fabric of
The benefit of exercise We all know that exercise offers benefits to our health and we need to engage in physical activity to remain well.
Access to further education Many of you will have received your AS level, A level, T level, level 3 VTQs and BTECs results earlier this week.
Men and suicide Historically men have higher completed suicide rates and suicide is correlated with mental illness (particularly depression) so why are there fewer men
Zuranolone approval for post-natal depression Zuranolone has been approved for treatment of postnatal depression in the USA. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a
The history of the diagnosis of ADHD It is believed that Sir George Still first documented symptoms of poor attention and hyperactivity. In 1902 he
So you think you may have….. When do you go to your GP? When you consider there is something that you need for prevention, such
Treatment postcode lottery Tomorrow heralds an exciting day in psychiatry. In The Netherlands, donanemab clinical trial results will be published for the first time. We
New social media platforms Unless you have been in a media blackout this last week you will be aware that there is a new kid
Gambling addiction How much are you aware of the possibility of addiction to gambling. It is common knowledge that cigarettes, particularly nicotine, are addictive but
Self-promotion On Thursday night I went to a meeting, one of the talks was about social media promotion. I sat there observing two women a
The power of change Change is often necessary and can be anxiety provoking. However, it is inevitable, and so should be something we embrace –
The non-art of delegation Delegation refers to the transfer of responsibility for specific tasks from one person to another. Are you aware that delegation is a
Well being meeting this week The BMA arranged a well being meeting for all doctors and medical students in East Anglia and this was on
