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Professor Eileen Joyce and Professor Trevor Robbins, two of her closest colleagues and former PhD students, join André Tomlin to remember Professor Susan (Sue) Iversen (1940–2025), the scientist who fused psychopharmacology and neuropsychology and helped found the field of neuropsychopharmacology. Sue supervised both Eileen's and Trevor's PhDs at Cambridge in the 1970s, went on to lead Behavioural Pharmacology at Merck, became Head of the Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford, served as President of the BAP (1996–98), and was made a CBE for services to medical research. In this conversation, Eileen and Trevor talk about how Sue shaped their science and their careers: her dopamine research, her influence on the dopamine-prefrontal cortex framework, and her mentorship of a generation of scientists, many of them women. This conversation previews "Remembering Sue Iversen and her contribution to Psychopharmacology," a special session at the BAP Summer Meeting, 19–22 July 2026, University of Birmingham. Full session details: https://bap.org.uk/summersessiondetails.php?meetingID=19&sessionID=790 Guests: Professor Eileen Joyce, Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychiatry, Queen Square UCL Institute of Neurology. Professor Trevor Robbins CBE, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Cambridge. Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wLpNVZYLTzw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Depression is not one thing, and treating it as if it were may be why so many people don't get better. In this episode, Prof Brenda Penninx offers a sharper way to think about it. Recorded ahead of her guest lecture at the British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP) Summer Meeting, Brenda talks to André Tomlin (The Mental Elf) about "immuno-metabolic depression": the 20–30% of depressed patients who show low-grade inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, clustered with atypical, energy-related symptoms such as fatigue, oversleeping, increased appetite and leaden paralysis. Drawing on the large Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA), she explains why these patients respond slightly less well to standard antidepressants, and why that matters. 00:00 Meet Brenda Penninx 01:03 Why Depression Varies 03:03 Defining Immunometabolic Depression 04:11 Cause or Vicious Cycle 05:56 Treatment Targets and Trials 07:41 Proof of Concept IL6 Study 10:26 Lifestyle as Medicine 13:19 From Concept to Clinic 15:11 Mind Body Care Gap 16:29 Conference Takeaways Is the biology a cause or a consequence of depression? Neither, Brenda argues: it's a vicious cycle, with common roots in genetics, lifestyle and childhood adversity. She discusses what this means for treatment (anti-inflammatory drugs, metabolic and lifestyle interventions) and why the key is targeting the right subgroup rather than the whole depressed population. She reflects on the recent Bristol tocilizumab proof-of-concept trial (Foley & Khandaker, JAMA Psychiatry), the Wellcome-funded ASPIRE project bringing these trials together, and why running therapy should be treated as a genuine, supported intervention rather than a slogan. Finally, the conversation turns to what still stands between concept and clinic (how to identify the right patients, which intervention to choose) and Brenda's wish to bring mental and physical healthcare back together. About the guest: Prof Brenda Penninx is Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology at Amsterdam UMC / Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and lead of the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). Find out more about Brenda Penninx's talk at the 2026 BAP Summer Meeting: https://www.bap.org.uk/summersessiondetails.php?meetingID=19&sessionID=740 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine Harmer, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Oxford and outgoing president of the British Association of Psychopharmacology (BAP), and Naomi Fineberg, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Hertfordshire and incoming BAP president, discuss how BAP brings together non-clinical scientists, experimental medicine researchers, clinicians, and industry to translate discoveries into patient care. They explore growing involvement of people with lived experience through a panel shaping council work and the summer meeting, and the need to balance professional and lived-experience perspectives. Fineberg highlights BAP’s evidence-based guidelines, aimed at improving patient outcomes via clinician uptake, and plans to strengthen dissemination through NHS engagement, accessible formats, training, and webinars. They also address support for early career researchers and pipeline challenges, strategy implementation during the presidential handover, and how global stressors and emerging digital and genetic data may reshape mental health research and precision medicine. 00:00 Meet the Presidents 00:55 What BAP Does 01:17 Bridging Lab to Clinic 02:47 Lived Experience Voices 06:08 BAP Guidelines Explained 07:03 Getting Guidance to Clinics 08:30 Supporting Early Careers 09:11 Pipeline Challenges 10:57 Handover and Strategy 12:39 Global Pressures and Hope Find out more about the 2026 Summer Meeting of the British Association of Psychopharmacology to be held at the University of Birmingham, 19th-22nd July. https://www.bap.org.uk/summermeetinghome.php?meetingID=19 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oxford psychologist Dr Lucy Foulkes discusses myths and research around adolescent mental health ahead of her public lecture at the British Association of Psychopharmacology Conference (Sunday, 19 July). She critiques Keir Starmer’s proposal to ban social media for under-16s, arguing bans won’t remove risks, may reduce teens’ willingness to discuss online experiences, and ignore social media’s benefits, especially for marginalised or isolated young people; she supports stronger regulation to make platforms safer. Foulkes explains her “prevalence inflation” hypothesis: rising reported mental health problems may reflect better recognition, broadened definitions that pathologise normal distress, and a possible third pathway where exposure to mental health content can increase anxiety (including new evidence from Instagram posts, akin to a nocebo effect). She addresses self-diagnosis as often understandable and frequently accurate, but warns of “concept creep,” shifting meanings, and potential trivialisation that can obscure severe illness, and she emphasizes listening to young people while exploring their reasons and needs. 00:00 Meet Lucy Foulkes 01:00 Social Media Ban Reaction 02:26 Regulation Over Bans 03:29 Benefits and Teen Agency 05:49 Mental Health Awareness Myths 06:18 Prevalence Inflation Explained 09:01 Nocebo and Lessons Backfire 12:00 Why Self Diagnosis Is Rising 15:20 Concept Creep and Costs 17:25 How Clinicians Should Respond 19:40 Next Research Questions 21:18 Public Lecture Invitation You can watch Dr Foulke's Public lecture on Adolescent mental health: The truth behind the headlines in person or online on 19th July 2026, 17:30 – 19:00. It's part of the BAP Summer Meeting. More details online: https://www.bap.org.uk/summersessiondetails.php?meetingID=19&sessionID=743 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five years of research. 14,000 students surveyed. Interventions tested. A whole-university framework developed. Now: what needs to change? In the final episode of the Nurture-U Podcast, researchers, university leaders and students reflect on what it will take to turn evidence into action. What are universities actually responsible for? How do we scale what works? And what do students need most? Three things universities can do right now: Lead from the top — make student mental health a board-level priority, not just a departmental onePrevention, prevention, prevention — build mental health literacy into induction and the curriculumWork with students — if it doesn't meet their needs, you are wasting your time Featuring Professor Ed Watkins (Nurture-U PI, University of Exeter), Professor Sir Steve West (Vice Chancellor, UWE), Dr Jane Harris (University of Oxford), Kate Wicklow (GuildHE), Yanting Sun and Rida Ali. Presented by André Tomlin, The Mental Elf. Find all four episodes and access all Nurture-U resources at https://www.nurtureuniversity.co.uk Nurture-U is funded by the Medical Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the Economic and Social Research Council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nurture-U Compassionate Campus framework identifies three pillars: culture, communication, and community. What does that mean in practice? How do mitigating circumstances systems end up failing the students who need them most? And is it really as simple as putting benches inside buildings? Three things universities can do right now: Trust your staff to exercise judgement, not just follow protocolsAudit your communication: simplify ruthlessly and reduce barriersInvest in community: fund student societies, open more grants Featuring Dr Nicola Byrom (King's College London), Gareth Hughes (Student Minds), Dr Neil Armstrong (SOAS University of London) and Audrey Fok (University of Exeter). Presented by André Tomlin, The Mental Elf. Find out more and access all Nurture-U resources at https://www.nurtureuniversity.co.uk Sign up for the Nurture-U webinar on June 15th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-universities-can-do-about-student-mental-health-nurture-u-webinar-tickets-1990175904705?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true Nurture-U is funded by the Medical Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the Economic and Social Research Council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evidence alone doesn't solve the student mental health crisis. The question is: what actually works?   Nurture-U tested three interventions. A mental health literacy course that protected students from the wellbeing dip across the academic year. Digital CBT that produced a surprising finding: guided and unguided versions were equally effective. And a rumination app that prevented depression in students who overthink, with benefits maintained at 12 months.   In this episode, Douglas Badenoch talks to the researchers and practitioners who designed, delivered and evaluated these interventions. They explore what the evidence shows, why prevention remains chronically underfunded, and what universities can do right now.   Speakers: Professor Ed Watkins (Nurture-U PI, University of Exeter), Dr Lucy Robinson (Newcastle University), Dr Emma Broglia (University of Sheffield), Dr Dominique Thompson (Buzz Consulting, University of Bristol), Liam Snaith, Elsa Saddler (Newcastle University) and Will Parman (University of Oxford).   Presented by Douglas Badenoch, The Mental Elf. Find out more at https://www.nurtureuniversity.co.uk Sign up for the Nurture-U webinar on June 15th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-universities-can-do-about-student-mental-health-nurture-u-webinar-tickets-1990175904705?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the largest longitudinal study of UK student mental health tell us about who struggles, what protects them, and where universities should focus?   Nurture-U surveyed 14,000 students across five universities over three academic years. The findings are clear and some are surprising. Half of students experience high levels of loneliness. Marginalised groups are most at risk. And the protective factors that make the biggest difference aren't expensive or mysterious.   Featuring Professor Ed Watkins (Nurture-U PI, University of Exeter), Dr Jacks Bennett (Bristol Medical School), Otilia Puiu (UCL) and Audrey Fok (University of Exeter).   Find out more at https://www.nurtureuniversity.co.uk Sign up for the Nurture-U webinar on June 15th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-universities-can-do-about-student-mental-health-nurture-u-webinar-tickets-1990175904705?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of the ReSET Podcast, host André Tomlin from the Mental Elf explores the importance of mental health prevention in schools, featuring insights from Professor Peter Fonagy, Professor Essi Viding, Professor Jess Deighton, and Dr Ros Law. This episode emphasises the necessity of prevention over treatment, as optimal treatments can only reduce depression by a third. Key points include the challenge schools face in implementing prevention strategies amidst numerous demands, the long-term benefits of prevention, and the need for sustainable, evidence-based approaches. The episode concludes with actionable advice for schools to cut through ineffective interventions and focus on proven methods. Join us to learn why prevention is not just a luxury, but an essential part of creating a conducive learning environment. 00:00 Introduction to the ReSET Project 00:57 Recap of Previous Episodes 01:21 The Importance of Prevention 01:29 The Challenges Schools Face 02:06 Implementing Prevention in Schools 03:56 The Role of Teachers 06:56 Evidence and Long-Term Benefits 10:32 The ReSET Project's Unique Approach 14:08 Practical Benefits for Schools 17:34 Building Trust and Partnerships 21:31 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 23:33 Conclusion and Call to Action Find out more about the ReSET project at: https://resetproject.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social Relationships and Mental Health in Adolescents - The Crucial Connection Episode 3 of the ReSET Podcast delves into the bidirectional relationship between social relationships and mental health in adolescents. Host André Tomlin from The Mental Elf, along with experts Pasco Fearon, Lucy Bowes, René Veenstra, and Ros Law, discuss why peer relationships are fundamental during adolescence, how transitions like moving to secondary school impact dynamics, and the importance of both emotional and social skills. The episode introduces the ME and WE strategies for personal and relational wellbeing and emphasises the importance of whole-school approaches and teacher support. Practical interventions and understanding peer dynamics are highlighted as key components to fostering a supportive environment for young people. 00:00 Introduction: The Link Between Mental Health and Relationships 00:57 Welcome to the ReSET Podcast 01:18 The Importance of Peer Relationships 01:54 Expert Insights on Adolescent Social Dynamics 04:12 The Critical Transition to Secondary School 07:19 The Healthy Context Paradox 10:59 ME and WE Strategies for Better Relationships 13:38 Practical Applications and Group Strategies 17:07 Whole School Approaches and Influential Students 22:47 Teacher Training and Support 25:04 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts Find out more about the ReSET project at: https://resetproject.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emotional Skills in Adolescents - Preventing Mental Health Problems Episode 2 of the ReSET podcast focuses on the importance of emotional skills for adolescents and how these can prevent mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Host André Tomlin from The Mental Elf explores the key findings from this huge research project led by scientists from UCL and Cambridge, with panelists Professor Essi Viding, Professor Nico Steinbeis and Jenny Sole. They explain how emotional skills, such as the ability to recognise and regulate emotions, are essential for successful social interactions. The episode covers practical strategies like reappraisal, distraction, and breathing techniques, and emphasises the importance of these skills in academic and social settings. Learn how targeted interventions in schools can help teenagers navigate their intense emotional experiences and build resilience. Tune in to explore how these skills can create a buffer against mental health problems and enhance social relationships. 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Skills 00:56 Welcome to the ReSET Podcast 01:25 The Importance of Emotional Skills 02:17 Understanding Emotional Skills 03:56 Adolescent Brain Development 05:27 Classroom Challenges and Emotional Regulation 09:52 The ReSET Trial and Its Approach 14:46 Practical Emotional Regulation Strategies 17:48 Linking Emotional Skills to Social Relationships 21:22 The Role of Schools in Emotional Development 23:58 Key Takeaways for Teachers 25:10 Conclusion and Next Steps Find out more about the ReSET project at: https://resetproject.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Universal vs. Targeted Interventions: ReSETting Mental Health Support in Schools Episode 1 of the ReSET podcast focuses on the critical question: Should schools implement universal or targeted interventions to support young people's mental health? Host André Tomlin from The Mental Elf explores the key findings from this huge research project led by scientists from UCL and Cambridge, with panelists discussing the effectiveness and challenges of universal mental health programmes versus targeted interventions. With guests Pasco Fearon, Lucy Foulkes, Roslyn Law, and Faye Witts, the episode covers the dynamics of digital life, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of key relationships in young people's lives. It also provides actionable advice for educators on how to effectively identify and support students in need, stressing the importance of using evidence-based approaches. Learn how to reshape your mental health initiatives with insights from leading experts. 00:00 Introduction to ReSET and Youth Mental Health 01:39 The Big Debate: Universal vs. Targeted Interventions 02:16 Challenges Facing Today's Youth 05:19 Understanding Universal Interventions 16:14 The Case for Targeted Interventions 17:23 Addressing Stigma in Targeted Approaches 23:07 Practical Advice for Schools 25:17 Conclusion and Next Steps Find out more about the ReSET project at: https://resetproject.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring Power Imbalance, Systemic Racism, and Dialogue in Mental Health. A conversation with Maxine Dennis for the 2025 BIGSPD conference. Join André from The Mental Elf for episode three of the BIGSPD 2025 Podcast in conversation with Maxine Dennis, a consultant clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst. They discuss power imbalance, systemic racism in mental health services, and the role of genuine dialogue and self-reflection. Maxine shares her clinical experiences and discusses the complexity of supervisory relationships in mental health. Don't miss her keynote 'Containing the Containers' at the 2025 BIGSPD Conference in Liverpool. Tune in for an insightful discussion on fostering resilience and real change. 00:00 Introduction to the BIGSPD Podcast 00:26 Meet Maxine Dennis: Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst 01:04 Exploring Clinical Work and Racialization 02:30 A Memorable Case Study 06:20 Building Trust and Addressing Power Imbalance 07:54 Upcoming Keynote: Containing the Containers 10:17 Impact of Black Lives Matter on Mental Health Services 12:15 Challenges in Achieving Systemic Change 14:05 Suggestions for Real Change 16:56 Reflections on Anti-Racism and Whiteness 20:54 Personality Disorders and Racial Disparities 24:13 Conclusion and Conference Details Find out more about the 2025 conference of the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorders on their website: https://bigspd.org.uk/bigspd-conference-2025/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Relational Practice: making hope possible rather than despair convincing. Join André from The Mental Elf for episode two of the BIGSPD 2025 Podcast as he discusses relational practice and democratic mental health with Professor Mick McKeown. Mick is a mental health nurse academic who shares his insights on the intersection of sociology, philosophy, and politics in mental health. In this episode, you'll learn about the key themes of his upcoming keynote talk at the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder Conference, the importance of relational practice, and the role of democracy in combating authoritarianism. Mick also touches on the impact of hierarchical and undemocratic practices on both patients and staff, and the potential of cooperative, democratic approaches to improve mental health care. 00:00 Introduction to the BIGSPD 2025 Podcast 01:08 Meet Professor Mick McKeown 01:49 Exploring Relational Practice 02:50 Democracy and Mental Health 05:10 Challenges in Mental Health Services 08:18 The Importance of Cooperation 11:25 Relational Practice in Action 14:27 Defining Relational Practice Find out more about the 2025 conference of the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorders on their website: https://bigspd.org.uk/bigspd-conference-2025/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring DBT: Techniques, Efficacy, and Lived Experience #BIGSPD25 Welcome to episode 1 of the BIGSPD 2025 podcast, hosted by André from the Mental Elf. This episode dives deep into Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with guest experts Professor Michaela Swales, Programme Director at the North Wales Clinical Psychology Programme, and Jenifer Dylan, an Advanced Lived Experience Practitioner and DBT Therapist. Together, they explore the success, challenges, and future of DBT, discussing various psychotherapies for personality disorders, evidence for DBT's effectiveness, and the roles of therapists with lived experience. Tune in to learn how DBT works, real-life applications, and the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches. Join us for an insightful conversation and stay updated on the latest research and practices in mental health. 00:00 Welcome to the BIGSPD25 Podcast 00:27 Meet the Experts: Michaela Swales and Jenifer Dylan 01:09 Understanding DBT and Other Psychotherapies 05:23 The Efficacy and Safety of DBT 08:01 Introduction to DBT: Basics and Skills 12:26 DBT in Practice: Real-Life Applications 18:22 Adapting DBT for Diverse Needs 24:32 The Role of Lived Experience in Therapy 31:59 Improving Clinical Care in DBT 35:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Events Find out more about the 2025 conference of the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorders on their website: https://bigspd.org.uk/bigspd-conference-2025/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.