The Mental Elf

This Mental Elf podcast is part of the NHS Research Scotland Mental Health Network's Annual Scientific Meeting, 7th November 2024. Host Douglas speaks with Dr. Veenu Gupta, Assistant Professor at Durham University, about the burgeoning role of the Lived Experience Workforce in mental health research. Dr. Gupta, who has personal experience with psychosis, shares insights into how lived experiences inform and shape research, training, and clinical practices.The discussion delves into the historical context of lived experience roles, the challenges and benefits of integrating personal experiences with professional work, and the various roles within the lived experience workforce. Dr. Gupta also highlights findings from her PhD research, emphasising the importance of support, supervision, and balancing the power dynamics in research settings.Tune in to learn about the evolution, current landscape, and future directions of lived experience roles in mental health research, as well as practical advice for both researchers and lived experience professionals.00:00 The Evolution of Lived Experience Roles in Mental Health Research00:34 Meet Dr. Veenu Gupta02:16 Veenu's Journey and Research Focus05:24 Challenges and Evolution in Lived Experience Roles08:08 Historical Context of Lived Experience Work12:18 Different Lived Experience Roles15:54 Support Needs for Lived Experience Researchers18:33 Future Directions and Support for Lived Experience Workforce21:37 Final Question: Advice for Researchers and Health Professionals21:46 Importance of Lived Experience in Research22:35 Balancing Power Dynamics in Research23:23 Challenges and Emotional Labour in Lived Experience Roles25:46 Introduction to Q Studies28:15 Feedback and Impact of ResearchFurther reading:Gupta, V., Eames, C., Golding, L. et al. Understanding the identity of lived experience researchers and providers: a conceptual framework and systematic narrative review. Res Involv Engagem 9, 26 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-023-00439-0Gupta, V., Eames, C., Bryant, A. et al. Identifying the priorities for supervision by lived experience researchers: a Q sort study. Res Involv Engagem 10, 66 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-024-00596-w

As climate change accelerates, so does the mental distress it causes. In this episode, we interview Dr. Elizabeth Marks and Dr. Kris De Meyer to explore the critical intersection between mental health and climate change. We discuss eco-anxiety - the difficult emotions caused by direct or indirect exposure to climate change - and consider to what extent such emotions should be considered a clinical disorder. We also explore the unequal burden of climate change across populations and how fear-based climate messaging can be unhelpful. The episode goes on to suggest strategies for addressing both climate change and mental health, such as the benefits of 'action-based storytelling’ and the potential of individual agency and collective action to confront these challenges in an uncertain and changing world. 00:00 Introduction 02:00 What is eco-anxiety? 04:54 Inequalities in impact of climate change 07:25 Media messaging around climate change 12:04 What can we do in response to climate change? 19:42 ConclusionDr. Elizabeth MarksSenior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of Bath Deputy Director, Bath Centre for Mindfulness and Community https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/elizabeth-marksDr. Kris De Meyer Research Fellow, King’s College London Department of Neuroimaging Visiting Lecturer, King’s College London, Department of Geographyhttps://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/kris-de-meyerDirector, University College London Climate Action Unit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-action-unit/how-we-workProduction creditsThis podcast was produced by a group of PhD students from UCL. Huge thanks from the Mental Elf to the podcast team (in alphabetical order):Alex Martin, PhD student, University College London https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmartin111/Annabelle Olsson, PhD student, University College London https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelle-eveline-olsson-806b2214a/Jasmine Lee (Presenter), PhD student, University College London https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmineleecy/Jehanita Jesuthasan, PhD student, University College Londonhttps://linkedin.com/in/jehanita-jesuthasan-0321851a3Oliwia Stecko, PhD student, University College London https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliwia-steckoRitika Chokhani, PhD student, University College Londonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ritika-chokhani

Welcome to the final episode of the British Association for Psychopharmacology 50th Anniversary Summer Meeting Podcast. In this episode, Andre is joined by Professor Femi Oyebode from the University of Birmingham. They discuss a broad range of topics, from Anton Chekhov's novella 'Ward Number Six' to the future of psychedelic medicine in psychiatry. Femi Oyebode shares insights on the evolution of psychiatric treatments, the significance of understanding historical psychiatric care, and the potential revolutionary impact of psychedelics. Follow the hashtag BAP2024 on social media platforms for more updates. Don't miss this deep dive into the intricate world of psychiatry!00:00 Introduction to the BAP 2024 Podcast00:52 Meet Professor Femi Oyebode01:27 Exploring Anton Chekhov's Ward Number Six01:42 The State of Psychiatric Treatments09:05 The Promise of Psychedelic Medicine16:16 Closing Thoughts and Podcast HighlightsShow links:British Association for Psychopharmacology 50th anniversary summer meetinghttps://www.bap.org.uk/BAP2024Femi Oyebodehttps://femioyebode.comBBC Radio 4 - Is Psychiatry Working? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001h3y5Anton Chekhov’s Ward No 6https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_No._6

Exploring Cosmetic Psychopharmacology with Professor Dan Stein | BAP2024 Podcast Episode 6Welcome to episode six of the BAP 2024 Podcast! Join André from The Mental Elf as he interviews Professor Dan Stein from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. They discuss the intriguing topic of cosmetic psychopharmacology and its implications on cognitive and mood enhancement. Learn about the history and conceptual challenges in this field as we preview Professor Stein's upcoming lecture at the BAP Conference in Birmingham. Don't miss this deep dive into the world of psychotropic drugs and their off-label use for cognitive and affective enhancement.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:39 Event Coverage and Social Media01:02 Introducing Dan Stein and Cosmetic Psychopharmacology01:36 Understanding Cosmetic Psychopharmacology03:09 Cosmetic vs. Clinical Psychopharmacology05:44 Examples and Ethical Considerations08:00 Scientific Evidence and Challenges10:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Talk12:02 Closing Remarks and Podcast PromotionFind out more about the BAP Summer Meeting and get your ticket now at: https://www.bap.org.uk/BAP2024

In episode four of the 2024 BIGSPD Podcast, André from The Mental Elf speaks with Anthony Bateman, a visiting professor at UCL and consultant at the Anna Freud Centre. Bateman discusses the concept of mentalizing, its role in human behavior, and the effectiveness of mentalization-based treatment (MBT) for conditions like borderline personality disorder and trauma. He explores the adaptability of MBT across various disorders and emphasizes personalized treatment. The conversation also touches on the debate about the classification of personality disorders and the impact of trauma and loneliness on treatment outcomes.00:00 Introduction01:26 Meet Anthony Bateman: Background and Expertise01:53 Understanding Mentalizing03:28 Development and Importance of Mentalizing04:35 Impact of Early Trauma on Mentalizing07:24 Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT) Explained11:09 Effectiveness and Adaptability of MBT16:35 Challenges and Considerations in MBT24:45 The Debate on Personality Disorder Labels27:27 Conclusion and Upcoming EventsBIGSPD is the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder and their annual conference takes place in Belfast on 18-20 June 2024. Find out more at: https://bigspd.org.uk/conferences-and-events/annual-conference/

In this episode of the BIGSPD Podcast, host André interviews Mel Ball, the first board-level Director for Lived Experience in the NHS. Mel shares her journey from grassroots peer support to her current leadership role, highlighting the importance of lived experience in transforming NHS services. She discusses the cultural changes required for effective co-production and lived experience leadership, and reflects on the broader systemic challenges and opportunities within the mental health sector. Mel also previews her upcoming keynote talk at the BIGSPD conference in Belfast, entitled 'The Wind and the Sun, A Fable of Lived Experience Leadership,' emphasising the moral and creative aspects of lived experience leadership.00:00 Introduction to the BIGSPD Podcast01:18 Meet Mel Ball: Director for Lived Experience04:00 The Journey of Lived Experience Leadership07:21 Roles and Responsibilities in the NHS09:41 Challenges and Reflections12:51 Future of Lived Experience Leadership20:17 Invitation to the BIGSPD Conference21:21 Closing RemarksBIGSPD is the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder and their annual conference takes place in Belfast on 18-20 June 2024. Find out more at: https://bigspd.org.uk/conferences-and-events/annual-conference/

In episode five of the BAP 2024 podcast, Professor David Nutt, a renowned psychiatrist and psychopharmacologist from Imperial College London, delves into the psychopharmacological aspects of alcohol. David Nutt is a past president of the British Association for Psychopharmacology and of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology.Hosted by André from the Mental Elf, this episode touches on the history and effects of alcohol, its social role, and the development of safer functional alternatives like Sentia. Prof. Nutt also discusses the future of drug policies and the rational use of regulated substances, providing a compelling preview of his upcoming talk at the BAP summer meeting in July.00:00 Introduction to the BAP 2024 Podcast01:04 Meet Professor David Nutt02:14 Understanding Alcohol's Effects04:07 The Popularity and Social Role of Alcohol07:40 Exploring Alternatives to Alcohol13:32 Future of Drug Policy and Safe Alternatives17:15 Conclusion and Upcoming EventsFind out more about the BAP Summer Meeting and get your ticket now at: https://www.bap.org.uk/BAP2024

In this episode of the BAP Podcast, host André from the Mental Elf interviews Professor Barbara Franke, a molecular biologist from Radboud University in Nijmegen, about the complexities of ADHD. Franke discusses the genetic and environmental factors contributing to ADHD, the challenges of diagnosing the disorder in different populations, and the impact of societal views on ADHD. She emphasizes the need for integrated research and cross-disciplinary approaches, highlighting the importance of involving patients in the research process. Franke also addresses concerns about the neurodiversity movement and its potential implications for ADHD care and support. The episode covers key topics in ADHD research and sets the stage for more inclusive and comprehensive studies in the future.01:54 Understanding ADHD: Causes and Factors03:50 Genetics and ADHD05:01 Societal Perspectives on ADHD08:05 Underdiagnosis and Overdiagnosis of ADHD10:14 Future Directions in ADHD Research12:58 Challenges in Cross-Disciplinary Science13:48 Co-Production in ADHD Research16:15 Conclusion and Upcoming EpisodesFind out more about the BAP Summer Meeting and get your ticket now at: https://www.bap.org.uk/BAP2024