Adolescents who self-harm represent a significant challenge to professionals, with around 1 in 10 young people thought to be engaging in self-harming behaviour. As self-harm is not a diagnosis in itself, to be effective the doctor is required to conduct a thorough assessment and to formulate a psychosocial management plan that will include the mitigation of risk. In this podcast, Dr Alison Wood, Dr Gemma Trainor and Dr Justine Rothwell talk to CPD Online Trainee Editor Dr Jennifer Powell about the ways to approach the assessment and treatment of young people who self-harm.

Self-harm in adolescents

What is it like to be diagnosed with autism later on in your adult life? Two women describe their experience with autism, from misdiagnosis to social expectations and camouflaging. We are also joined by Dr Laura Checkley, who works in the City and Hackney Autism Service.

For more information on autism, please take a look at our resources: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/members/special-interest-groups/neurodevelopmental-psychiatry/resources

Women and autism

In episode one we will be talking to Michelle, who lived with anxiety and depression for over two decades and recently got involved with a Wildlife Trust in Lancashire called MyPlace. 

MyPlace helps to empower individuals and local communities to connect with their environments and learn new skills. We discuss ecotherapy, peer to peer support and the joys of dog walking.

Climate change miniseries - episode one

This podcast is part of the celebration of South Asian History Month here at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Dr Santosh Mudholkar explores thoughts on the interaction between culture, music and the brain. Historically, art and music have played a prominent role in South Asian culture in bringing people together and lifting mental wellbeing.

Music, Art And The Brain For South Asian History Month

Trainee and PTC Rep Dr Niamh Sweeney is joined by Mr Simon Fleming - Trauma and Orthopaedic surgeon registrar known for his award-winning campaign 'Hammer It Out' - and Dr Sridevi Kalidindi senior consultant psychiatrist, leadership executive and life coach. They discuss the impact of bullying and harassment on trainees.

You Are Not Alone podcast

You are not alone - Episode 4: Bullying and harassment

An open and honest conversation looking at living with schizophrenia. Hosted by Dr Jane Morris, with guest Graham Morgan.

Graham has authored the books 'Start' and 'Blackbird Singing'.

Living with Schizophrenia

In this informative episode, child psychiatrist Dr. Jenny Parker provides an in-depth exploration of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), discussing its neurodevelopmental nature, common symptoms, and the effects it can have on children and young people. Dr. Parker explains the process of diagnosing ADHD and examines a range of treatment options, including psychoeducation, lifestyle changes, and medication. She offers practical advice for parents and teachers on how to better support children with ADHD, while also addressing the challenges these individuals may encounter as they transition into adulthood.

The episode also features an insightful conversation with Dylan, a young person diagnosed with ADHD, who shares his personal experiences. Dylan discusses how he manages his symptoms through physical activity and medication, and highlights the crucial role of support from his family and teachers. His story offers a relatable perspective on living with ADHD, encouraging others to embrace their condition and stay true to who they are.

Children's Mental Health: Listen Up - ADHD in Children and Young People

In this conversation, Angela McCrimmon shares her personal journey with bipolar disorder, discussing her diagnosis at a young age, the challenges of treatment, and the importance of supportive healthcare relationships. She emphasises the need for better understanding and communication in mental health care, as well as the significance of reducing stigma around mental illness. Angela's insights provide valuable lessons for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Angela's Journey

In this podcast, Dr Adi Sharma discusses bipolar disorder, focusing on its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and the challenges faced by adolescents and their families. He emphasises the importance of understanding the condition, the need for effective treatment, and the significance of psychoeducation for families. The conversation also highlights the difficulties in transitioning from child to adult services and the personal experiences of young individuals living with bipolar disorder.

This discussion delves into the complexities of diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder, particularly in young people. It highlights the challenges faced by families, the importance of early diagnosis, and the role of support systems. The conversation also emphasises the need for workplace adjustments and advocacy to improve the lives of those living with bipolar disorder.

Children's Mental Health: Listen Up: Bipolar Disorder (Part 1)

The conversation explores the evolving understanding of bipolar disorder in children and young people, emphasising the importance of early detection and intervention. Dr Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo discusses the challenges in diagnosing bipolar disorder, particularly the significant delays and the complexities involved in distinguishing it from other mental health conditions. The discussion also highlights the need for personalised treatment approaches and the involvement of young people in research to improve outcomes.

We then hear from Simon Kitchen, Chief Executive Officer of Bipolar UK. He explains how his charity plays a vital role in providing support and raising awareness about the condition, as well as what more can be done.

Children's Mental Health: Listen Up: Bipolar Disorder (Part 2)

Dr. Asilay Seker sits down with Professor Kapil Sayal from the University of Nottingham to discuss the STADIA trial (STAndardised DIagnostic Assessment for children and adolescents with emotional difficulties), which he led. This multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating a standardised diagnostic assessment tool into routine clinical care within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Professor Sayal explains the study’s aims, the significance of its findings, and how STADIA offered valuable insights into rethinking CAMHS provision. He also discusses how a more digitalised approach could expand the service’s reach and enhance support for young people and families.

Asilay is later joined by Professor Andrea Danese. They discuss the complexities of trauma and PTSD, particularly in children and young people. He clarifies the definitions of trauma and PTSD, emphasizing the importance of subjective experiences in understanding mental health outcomes. The conversation also explores the impact of neurodiversity on trauma processing and highlights the need for flexible diagnostic approaches. Finally, Professor Danese underscores the importance of evidence-based treatments for PTSD and the urgent need to improve access to these interventions for affected youth.

RESOURCES:

https://www.acamh.org/blog/the-stadia-trial-exploring-clinical-and-cost-effectiveness/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-020-0880-3

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2818046

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.14048

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.14090

We produce mental health information to support young people which can be found in the mental health section of our website. RCPsych also produces factsheets for schools, colleges and other organisations, which cover a range of topics from diagnosable conditions to everyday challenges young people deal with. Written by psychiatrists in collaboration with young people, these are available for schools and college to order online.

Click here to order: https://rcpsych.myshopify.com/collections/mental-health-for-young-people-and-children

Children's Mental Health: Listen Up - New Year Conference Special (Part 3)

In this episode, consultant child psychiatrist and NHS England GIRFT Clinical Lead for Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Services, Dr. Holan Liang, discusses how Tourette’s Syndrome presents in children and young people. She provides an in-depth look at the assessment process, evidence-based management strategies, and the complexities regarding common co-occurring conditions such as ADHD. Dr. Liang also highlights the crucial role of awareness and understanding among those around young people with tics in providing effective support. Dr Liang finishes with the latest scientific research on interventions for tics, covering psychotherapeutic models, medications, and emerging approaches such as nerve stimulation.

We also hear the inspiring story of Kian and his mother, Jigna, as they share their journey with Tourette’s. They also discuss their advocacy work, shedding light on the challenges faced by children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions and their caregivers.

In the final segment, Lucy Toghill, Education Manager at Tourette’s Action, joins the conversation to outline the support and resources available for children and young people through charitable organisations.

Children's Mental Health: Listen Up! Tourette’s - An Opportunity to Learn from the Experts

In this insightful episode, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Vic Chapman joins us to explore anorexia nervosa — a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder that affects many young people. Dr Chapman explains the key features of anorexia nervosa, early signs, the psychological and physical impacts, the diagnostic process, and wholistic treatment approaches. She also discusses the importance of early identification and timely intervention, the role of family-based support, and the multifaceted factors that lead to recovery.

We also hear from a young expert-by-experience who bravely shares her personal journey with anorexia nervosa. Now in recovery, she reflects on the realities of experiencing anorexia nervosa, the support that made a difference, and what helped them move toward healing. her story brings a powerful and hopeful perspective to the conversation.

Last but not least, Professor Dasha Nicholls, an academic child and adolescent psychiatrist at Imperial College, National Specialist Advisor on Eating Disorders, NHS England and RCPsych’s Clinical & Strategic Director, National Audits & Research, provides an overview of the latest research and policy developments in the field. She highlights the growing emphasis on personalised care through identifying individual risk factors, and how eating disorders in young people remain a national healthcare priority. Her insights shed light on the future direction of eating disorder care - and highlight the critical role of digitalisation of services and routinely collected clinical data in advancing accessible, tailored support.

LINKS:

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/order-mental-health-resources
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Children's Mental Health: Listen Up! - Anorexia Nervosa

In this special Pride episode of the RCPsych Podcast, we sit down with Dr Bradley Hillier, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HumanMind Health. With over two decades of experience in trauma, addiction, and LGBTQ+ mental health, Dr Hillier brings both clinical expertise and personal insight to a conversation that is as urgent as it is overdue.

Together, we explore the chemsex crisis, a complex and often hidden issue affecting many in the LGBTQ+ community. From the initial allure of disinhibition and connection to the devastating consequences of overdose, psychosis, and suicide, this episode goes beyond the headlines to examine the deeper forces at play: trauma, shame, minority stress, and the systemic gaps in care.

We discuss why chemsex has become such a critical public health concern, the barriers that prevent people from seeking help, and what effective, compassionate support can and should look like. We also reflect on the role of institutions, from healthcare providers to dating apps, in either perpetuating harm or becoming part of the solution.

This is a sobering but hopeful conversation, one that honours the complexity of chemsex, the resilience of those affected, and the urgent need for coordinated, inclusive, and trauma-informed care.

🔗 Resources: 

Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support - https://londonfriend.org.uk/antidote/
Terence Higgins Trust - https://www.tht.org.uk/get-help/support-services/lets-talk-about-chemsex?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=365455812&gbraid=0AAAAADqE5LTRex_CnCIf2geu1V3uSh7ob&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4adP-iVa0EmsE3-tMxQ_9NWSeMt5j3DBRKovugHWb5DA3Ji7U98T_saAkJcEALw_wcB
LGBT Foundation - https://lgbt.foundation/help/chemsex-support-and-advice/


From Euphoria to Emergency: The Chemsex Crisis, with Dr Bradley Hillier

In this special episode for South Asian Heritage Month, Dr Hassan Mahmood - Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Learning Disability and Autism in Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust - hosts an inspiring conversation with Dr Syeda Zakia Shaherbano - Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in learning disabilities and autism, and Dr Shaheen Shora - a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director, whose personal and professional journeys from South Asia to the UK illuminate the power of resilience, community, and cultural identity.
 
Through heartfelt storytelling, they explore how their lived experiences have shaped their careers in psychiatry, enriched their understanding of patient care, and driven innovation to address health inequalities. From overcoming personal challenges to advocating for culturally sensitive mental health services, this episode celebrates the strength found in heritage and the transformative role of diversity in the NHS.

Roots to Routes: South Asian Journeys in UK Psychiatry

As part of their summer internship at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 17-year-olds Anisa and Barira took on the challenge of producing their very own podcast episode. Curious about the role of artificial intelligence in mental health, they sat down with Dr Prateek Varshney, a child psychiatrist and medical educator, to explore the promises and pitfalls of AI in psychiatry. 

 From self-diagnosis online to the risks of people forming emotional attachments to chatbots, this conversation asks whether technology can support psychiatry, or if it risks undermining the very human connections at its core. 

Disclaimer: This interview was part of a learning journey for the interns. The questions, ideas, and conversations you’ll hear reflect their curiosity and Dr Varshney’s insights. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are personal and do not necessarily represent those of the College. 

Intern Summer Special: Mental Health in the Age of AI

In this special episode of Children’s Mental Health: Listen Up!, we take you inside a groundbreaking joint conference that brought together child and adolescent psychiatrists, adult psychiatrists, resident doctors and experts to tackle one of the most important challenges in mental health: supporting young people through mental health service transitions. Hear from organisers and participants as they share insights on collaborative care.  75% of severe mental health conditions start before the age of 25 years which gives significant impetus to this collaborative work.

Children's Mental Health: Listen Up! - Joint Conference Special

In the third of our series of podcasts exploring ways in which we can help members to thrive in psychiatry, we hear from four SAS doctors by choice. Dr Noni Kamau, Dr Abdul Oredola, Dr Jessi Kakani and Dr Becky Thomlinson discuss why they love their role, why it works for them, and what's changed for SAS doctors recently. 
They also talk about what more can be done to support SAS doctors to help them flourish in their careers.

The Thrive in Psychiatry Podcast: Episode 3

In this podcast we speak to four psychiatrists who have taken a break from work for a range of reasons, and hear their thoughts about what needs to change to help our members thrive. We also hear about the SuppoRTT scheme running in England, to help resident doctors who take a break.

Thrive in Psychiatry Podcast: Episode 4

In the fifth and final of our series of podcasts exploring ways in which we can help members to thrive in psychiatry, we speak to three psychiatrists about their career – what have been their career highlights, what barriers have they faced, and what more are they looking to achieve?

Our Presidential lead for Retention and Wellbeing, Dr Ananta Dave, interviews former RCPsych President Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Chair of RCPsych in Northern Ireland Dr Julie Anderson and Dr Gwen Adshead, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist and Author.

Thrive in Psychiatry: Episode 5

In this final part of our joint CAP and GAP conference specials which follows on from a session on climate change, nature, and sustainability in mental health; Dr Matthew Leahy discusses nature-based approaches for children’s mental health with Dr Katherine Kennet, who is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with a keen interest in social prescribing.

Children's Mental Health: Listen Up! -  A nature-based conversation with Dr Katherine Kennet

Welcome to 'The Sublimation Exhibit', the new podcast from the Art and Psychiatry Special Interest Group (ARTSIG). This podcast explores the interface between the arts and psychiatry, exploring ideas around staying creative in mental health. 
 
In Episode 1, Dr Monika Badhan (Communications Lead, ARTSIG) interviews Dr Adam Hines-Green (Artist-in-Residence, RCPsych) about his journey, the role the arts play in his practice, and the recent exhibition work done by the College. 

RCPsych's ARTSIG presents: The Sublimation Exhibit - Episode 1

For World Bipolar Day, Professor Sameer Jauhar speaks with Dr Clare Dolman, researcher at Edinburgh University and King's College London, about her personal experience of living with bipolar disorder and her research on bipolar and women's health.
 
This in-depth conversation explores the often-missed early signs of bipolar, the reality of mania and the profound impact of hormones on women's mental health, from the menstrual cycle through pregnancy and into perimenopause.

If anything in the podcast has resonated with you, or if you're seeking support, please visit: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder

We also produce a leaflet on bipolar disorder, written by psychiatrists and co-produced by patients and carers. It's free to read on our website, and if you're a practice or would prefer a physical copy, printed leaflets are available to order at https://store.rcpsych.ac.uk/products/bipolar-disorder-leaflet

Living with Bipolar, Diagnosis and Women's Health

In this episode of Children’s Mental Health: Listen Up! Dr Elaine Lockhart was live at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) conference in Manchester, and brought together two leading researchers to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing children and young people today.

Professor James Scott from the University of Brisbane presents findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study, one of the largest and most detailed investigations into childhood abuse and neglect ever conducted. With data showing that 62% of Australian children experienced some form of maltreatment, he explains how the study was designed, what it found, and what it means for mental and physical health outcomes across the lifespan.

Professor Amy Orben then turns to the debate around social media and young people's mental health, examining what the evidence actually shows, how platform design shapes behaviour, and what promising interventions look like. She also discusses Australia's move to ban social media for under-16s, and why she believes removing access alone is unlikely to be enough.

Together, they offer a clear-eyed, evidence-based view of two issues that matter deeply to clinicians, parents, and policymakers alike.


Conference Special: Child Maltreatment, Social Media and Young People's Mental Health

Welcome to 'The Sublimation Exhibit', the new podcast from the Art and Psychiatry Special Interest Group (ARTSIG). This podcast explores the interface between the arts and psychiatry, exploring ideas around staying creative in mental health.
 
In Episode 2, Dr Alan Baban (RCPsych ARTSIG Chair) interviews Dr Glenn Roberts, the 'story gatherer' for the new book Personally Speaking, about his journey, the importance of stories and storytelling in mental health, and the publication of Personally Speaking: Stories from Psychiatrists.

RCPsych's ARTSIG presents: The Sublimation Exhibit - Episode 2

This episode explores a core priority of the UK’s first Women’s Mental Health Strategy: implementing national initiatives that create lasting, systemic change.

We examine how this ambition aligns with the renewed Women’s Health Strategy, and what it means in practice for psychiatrists and the wider health workforce.

From tackling long‑standing gendered inequities in diagnosis, access and outcomes, to embedding women’s lived experience into policy and service design, the discussion sets out why a dedicated women’s mental health strategy is essential.

By focusing on prevention, trauma-informed, intersectional and life‑course approaches and cross‑system leadership, we consider how national foundations can transform care for women and girls across the UK.

Women's Mental Health Strategy - Episode One

In this podcast, Diane Goslar, a recovering alcoholic, talks with brutal honesty to our Head of Digital Peter Markham about the stigma she faced among family, friends and work colleagues as she battled alcohol addiction.

While describing the difficulties, she also provides advice which could help addicts, or people around them, to manage their way through a profoundly challenging period in their lives.

Surviving stigma: an interview with a recovering addict

Eleanor's terrifying stalking experience
GP, Eleanor, describes a harrowing and prolonged experience of being stalked: in conversation with Dr Raj Persaud, FRCPsych

Eleanor  Terrifying Stalking Experience RP

Ego is the enemy

Ryan Holiday discusses his new book 'Ego Is The Enemy' with Dr Raj Persaud - how ego blocks success and happiness.

Ego Is The Enemy is a new book published by best-selling author Ryan Holiday and is a philosophical exploration of difficulties we create for ourselves in life. Early in our careers, Ryan argues, ego impedes learning and the cultivation of talent. With success, ego can blind us to our faults and sow future problems. In failure, ego magnifies each blow and makes recovery more difficult. At every stage, ego holds us back.

The book draws on a vast array of stories and examples, from literature to philosophy to history. Using the stories of people like William T. Sherman, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt, all of whom reached the highest levels of power and success by conquering their own egos.

TASCAM DR-100MK2

Ego is the enemy

What is it like for a psychiatrist when a patient dies by suicide? In our latest podcast we speak to Dr Ros Ramsay and Dr Rachel Gibbons regarding the kinds of support that are available to psychiatrists and the inevitable philosophical questions that suicide provokes.

If you have been affected by patient suicide, please consider consulting The Psychiatrists' Support Service.

If A Patient Dies By Suicide

Dr Ian Collings, Dr Shridevi Gopi-Firth and Dr Kat Levick candidly discuss the highs and lows of psychiatry, including chickens on the ward, augmented reality and blowing your own trumpet.

The Choose Psychiatry Podcast

The Royal College of Psychiatrists: improving the lives of people affected by mental illness.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists

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