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 …

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 h…

In this podcast, Dr. Adi Sharma discusses bipolar disorder, focusing on its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and the challenges faced by adolescents transitioning to adulthood. He emphasises the importance of understanding the condition's onset in teenagers, the role of medication and psychosocial support, and the need for better resource…

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 s…

In this episode a listener recently ended a relationship with her therapist after she violated her trust. Now she is grieving the loss and wonders if she should go back. We would love to hear from you! You can email or send a voicemail on our website or contact us directly at callthepsychiatrists@gmail.com…

In this conversation, Naa Adoley Addo shares her journey from psychiatric training in Ghana to her practice in the NHS. She discusses the rigorous training she underwent, the challenges and rewards of working in the UK, and the cultural differences she encounters in mental health care. Naa also reflects on her achievements as a psychiatrist, the ba…

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 treatmen…

This podcast, hosted by Drs Elaine Lockhart and Asilay Seker, will focus on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting children and young people. Prof Samuele Cortese from the University of Southampton will give an update on the latest research in this area. This is followed by an interview with…

Mood States is a collection of sculptures by artist Annabel Merrett. They investigate how emotions, feelings and motivations can be exposed by art.Merrett began this series by constructing self-portrait heads using her own cranial measurements. Cross sections were then cut into heads – in the grand tradition of the anatomists – to plumb the depths …

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Manoj Kumar, the RCPsych South Asian Chair, to discuss the mental health landscape in South Asia, with a focus on India. Dr Kumar shares insights into the region's mental health challenges, cultural attitudes, and systemic barriers to care. We explore innovative solutions, the role of technology, and the importa…

Who is responsible for setting the agenda in a therapy session? Angie wonders if it’s really up to her to bring up hard topics with her therapist. Chelsea’s therapist (8:48) doesn’t ask questions about her life, making her feel like her therapist doesn’t care about her. Finally, Claire’s therapist (17:31) likes to explore the topics that interest h…

The vice-chair in Scotland, Dr Pavan Srireddy took part in a special podcast for the Public Audit Committee in the Scottish Parliament. Dr Srireddy was joined by convener of the Committee Richard Leonard MSP and Anne Rowan, found of suicide charity, Chris’s House. The group discussed the findings of a recent report into mental health and what shoul…

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'.De către RCPsych

On this episode Karol asks for our opinion on The 5 Love Languages: are they useful or are they harmful? The study we referenced from University of Toronto which summarizes recent attempts at empirically validating the "love languages" can be found here. In part 2 (19:30), a listener feels like her therapist is not on her side and said something hu…

In this episode of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Podcast, host Dr Daniela Borges, a general adult psychiatry registrar and secretary of the Psychiatric Trainees Committee (PTC), delves into the theme of the national trainees conference: "Next Generation in Psychiatry." With insights from key figures like the Dean of RCPysch, Professor Subodh D…

In this bumper episode to mark International Women's Day, our Presidential Leads for Women and Mental Health Dr Philippa Greenfield and Dr Catherine Durkin host a conversation with Dr Amrit Sachar, Joint Presidential Lead for Equity and Equality, and Louise Howard, Professor of Women's Mental Health at Kings College London. The conversation looks o…

Curious about what it takes to contribute to the College's vibrant community? This episode is a must-listen! Join us and Dr. Daniela Borges, a dedicated Psychiatric Trainees' Committee (PTC) Rep, as she shares the motivations behind her College role, keeping the balance between professional and College commitments, and encouraging you to contemplat…

Krystal’s therapist would prefer she not use marijuana before a session even though she thinks it would be helpful to loosen her "emotional logjam". Michael (17:02) questions his decision to be a therapist and whether he is actually helping anyone. We discuss possible burnout and steps Michael could consider before making any major career changes. …

On this episode Tess’s psychiatrist revealed a shared diagnosis in their final session, making Tess wonder if withholding information is necessary. Lilith's therapist (16:50) visited her at work, leaving her feeling confused, especially since she would like the relationship to be closer. If you have questions or feedback please send a message (voic…

On this episode a listener’s therapist hid behind a magazine after they saw each other in public. Yazmin (12:31) wonders if therapy could be helpful for the grief she’s experiencing a year after her husband died. The resource about prolonged grief at Columbia University can be found here. A listener (21:20) gave a thank you card to their therapist …

On this episode Yolanda has a question about the moments before and after a therapy session. Lindsay specifically wonders about her preference for the relationship she has with her therapist at this periphery of the therapeutic encounter Jim (18:14) worries that he may be too smart for therapy to work. Marion (25:49) wants to know if it would be we…

In honour of Black History Month, the Royal College of Psychiatrists proudly presents a special episode dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary contributions of black female psychiatrists, and delves deep into the vital issues of racism and equity within the field of psychiatry. Hosted by Dr. Uju Ugochukwu, she is joined Dr. Itai Matumbike and D…

On this episode Amalia is annoyed that her therapist asks for lots of feedback at the end of each session. Kim (12:30) wants to address the "elephant in the room" after her therapist cut off all communication between sessions without an explanation. If you have questions or feedback please send a message (voicemail or email) on our website You can …

On this episode to commemorate World Mental Health Day, Professor Mohammed Al-Uzri, one of the College's Presidential Leads, takes us on a deep dive into his work on the Global Mental Health Strategy.De către RCPsych

The College is celebrating Black History Month by exploring the relationship between Mental Health and the Arts. We've teamed up with author, poet, editor of BJPsych Muses, and psychiatrist, Dr. Dami Ajayi to create a series of content exploring the theme.For this podcast, we're delighted to introduce you to Oluwatunmise Oladapo Kuku, podcaster, li…

On this episode a listener’s therapist has started rubbing her back when she’s upset and she wonders if this is normal. Then we return to questions about vacation: A listener (9:03) is upset by their therapist’s upcoming vacation and is thinking of not going back to the office; Beth’s therapist (16:08) just got back from vacation and they’re having…

Alice and her husband see the same therapist individually and as a couple. The therapist told Alice’s husband they should get a divorce. At (12:43) a 17 year-old listener feels like there are things he can’t talk to his therapist about after she disclosed her religious identity. If you have questions or feedback please send a message (voicemail or …

Larissa was nervous during her first online therapy session with Betterhelp and wants some tips on how to be prepared for the next session. She was told the first session "is where the magic begins". An anonymous listener (16:57) has a history of stalking their therapist and has the desire to repeat those behaviors with a new therapist. They feel a…

In this podcast to celebrate Pride 2023 we speak to Dr Chris Walsh, Chair of the College's Psychiatric Trainees Committee to discuss his journey from Liverpool to Psychiatry, his creative background, and his advice to LGBTQ+ folks looking to choose psychiatry as a career.Note this is an updated version of the podcast which was reuploaded to correct…

Danny has mixed emotions about Father's Day. He’s trying to balance his needs with the demands of parenting and wants to hear more about fatherhood. He’s also curious if being psychiatrists changes our views on parenting. Michelle (34:30) is a newly minted therapist and has questions about the role of transference and countertransference in our ses…

Therese’s feelings have been hurt by her therapist but she feels invalidated each time she brings it up. Candice (15:51) feels ashamed of being in therapy and wants to be more comfortable with the idea of talking to others about it. Lila (30:40) wonders about Oprah’s advice to be your own best friend. David guesses these sentiments come out of the …

During Mental Health Awareness Week the College is raising awareness of the challenges people with serious mental illnesses, or SMIs, face, Rehabilitation psychiatry plays a crucial role in helping individuals with serious mental illnesses to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. In this podcast we hear from Dr Katie Fergus, an ex…

We have 3 listener questions. In the first question Keith wants to know how therapists determine whether a session is good or bad. Then Ellen (11:35) tries to make sense of her reaction after her therapist names something in her past as abuse. Finally, Jane (17:42) was frozen at the end of her last therapy session and wonders if it’s worth going ba…

In the first question a listener wonders why her therapist is talking about her in supervision. She's curious about what supervision is and how therapists make use of it. In the second question (23:47) a listener is concerned that she feels jealous about the client her therapist is seeing before her. Abby expresses outrage on the listener's behalf …

In the first question a listener feels slighted by her therapist's cancellation policy. We start by discussing these policies more generally. It's a little dry but the discussion gets better by 12:25 when we talk about our listener's specific situation. In the second question (17:50), someone's therapist has suggested increasing the frequency of th…

In the first question, a listener gets really nervous around her therapist and wonders if it’s even worth it. Our second question (at the 16:40 minute mark) is from someone who wonders why her therapist isn’t talking about the diagnosis on her invoice. We take a few tangents including: the perils of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis; the limitations…

The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is 'Embrace Equity'. We conducted a 2 part podcast with Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE and Dr Trudi Seneviratne OBE on the importance of equity for women in the mental health space.De către RCPsych

In the first question a listener is struggling with her boyfriend's need to crowdsource information before making any decisions--from sharing personal details of their relationship with his family to checking Reddit to find the best pasta sauce. We start by discussing the lack of boundaries in the family. At 09:45 we start offering some advice on h…

This episode is all about interpretations. We have questions from both sides of the therapy room. The first question comes from a listener who is a therapist. She wonders how to recover from the sting when an interpretation she makes doesn’t land well. The second question (18 minute mark) is from someone in therapy with a similar problem: how does …

A listener finds security in her therapist's office and wonders about the thought that goes into the decor of an office. Our second question (starting at the 16 minute mark) comes from someone longing for her therapist and is curious where this comes from and why she monitors his physical appearance and body language so closely. Finally (at minute …

Our listener in part 1 is worried because his therapist doesn't think he's trying hard enough to get better and he's afraid his treatment will end as a result. In part 2 (around 19 minutes) a listener says the antidepressant drug he is taking has helped but he struggles with accepting this newfound state as himself--that he's "under the influence."…

To celebrate our first birthday, listeners ask us about the show. Among other things, we discuss our motivation for doing a podcast, what we've learned, and the experience of having patients listen to the show. It's self-indulgent; it's filled with neuroticism. It's like having family over for the holidays. So come and celebrate with us. There's al…

In this podcast we hear from three trainees, who each talk about one way the College encourages and supports flexibility in psychiatry training. We also go into how we'll be making training even more flexible over the next five years.It was hosted by Dr Declan Hyland, our Associate Dean for Choose Psychiatry (Careers), and we heard from Dr Rachel K…

In this episode we have a listener who has a question about terminating a long-term therapy. They ask, "How do you know when you're done?" We then discuss the new Jonah Hill documentary _ Stutts _ in which Jonah profiles his psychiatrist and his approach to psychotherapy. (The Stutz discussion starts at 25:58). If you have questions or feedback ple…

What can we learn about therapy from the FX original show _The Patient_ (streaming on Hulu)? We talk about internalizing your therapist, feeling held hostage (figuratively) by a patient and taking care of people where it may be hard to mobilize empathy. We discuss some of the therapeutic interventions in the show and try to keep our quibbling about…

Our first question is from a listener who would like a hug from his therapist. Our second question comes from someone dealing with sibling conflict and a dying parent. Please submit your questions (voicemail or email message) at our website: https://www.callthepsychiatrists.com You can also interact with us on Facebook or Instagram @callthepsychiat…

In this episode a listener has a question about cheating on his therapist; our second question comes from someone who is getting tired of virtual appointments and would like to get back in the office to see her therapist in person. We discuss our experience with the pros and cons of online therapy and speculate what may be going on for our listener…

In this podcast, Dr Peter Carpenter is interviewing Dr Angela Rouncefield (a Founder Member of the College) on her involvement in the events leading to the creation of the RCPsych in the 1970s, her experiences as a trainee and new consultant at St Lawrence’s Lunatic Asylum in Bodmin, and the creation of the South West Division.…

In this episode a listener asks how to support a friend with sudden onset paranoid delusions. We discuss possible diagnoses like brief psychotic disorder and review a few different types of interventions. Please submit your questions (voicemail or email message) at our website: https://www.callthepsychiatrists.com You can also interact with us on F…

In this episode we answer 2 questions. The first listener has a question about perfectionism. Among other things, we discuss the connection between perfectionism and procrastination. Our second listener wants to know how to build trust with her therapist. We close by revisiting some previous comments about parental transference (projecting the role…