
In this episode we delve into the history of trepanning and the practice of drilling holes into the skull for medical and spiritual purposes. Follow along Robert Kaplan's narration on the life of Amanda Fielding who self-practised the dangerous and highly risky trepanning. Dr. Robert Kaplan is a psychiatrist, author, historian and speaker. With a career spanning medicine, history, and the courtroom, he has explored the human mind at its darkest and most complex, from analysing cri...
Jul 30
12 min

In this podcast, we hear about an experience in psychiatric practice which has such an impact on the clinician that it leads to adopting a radical and enduring change in his subsequent clinical, teaching, and research activities. Emeritus Professor Sidney Bloch shares such an experience with Professor Shuichi Suetani which occurred in the early phase of his training. The experience proved so pivotal that it transformed key aspects of his professional work, especially his outlook on the ethica...
Jul 16
44 min

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Matthew Macfarlane uncovers how the internet, social media, societal change, and our own psychology are fueling the rise of inflated and sometimes harmful diagnoses. Discover the surprising ways that diagnostic labels can shape identity, offering understanding and validation, while also, at times, contributing to expectations or limitations. Associate Professor Matthew Macfarlane is a consultation-liaison psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working at Wollongon...
Jul 2
30 min

In this episode we continue our conversation with six incredible female forensic psychiatrists as they dive into the complex issues faced by professionals working with vulnerable youth in forensic settings. From ongoing trauma to media portrayals and resource limitations, our panel shares insights, personal experiences, and advice for aspiring adolescent forensic psychiatrists. Dr Shaileigh Gordon is a Child & Adolescent and Forensic Psychiatrist working in Queensland in various roles a...
Jun 18
36 min

In this episode we unlock the realities of adolescent forensic psychiatry through the voices of five pioneering women in the field. Delve into the complexities, risks, and rewards of working at the intersection of mental health, the justice system, and gender. From safety precautions to gendered challenges, this episode uncovers the nuanced experience of being a woman in one of psychiatry’s most demanding subspecialties—an area often misunderstood by the public and media alike. Dr Shaileigh G...
Jun 4
47 min

This is the four and final part of the series on Psychopathology. This conversation delves into the complexities of mood disorders, exploring the distinctions between normal emotional states and pathological conditions. The discussion covers various aspects of mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, melancholia, self-harm, and mania, emphasising the importance of understanding the subjective experiences of individuals. The speakers highlight the challenges faced by clinicians in emerge...
May 21
43 min

Join us in the third part of this series on Psychopathology. This episode as we explore the intricate world of thoughts, delusions, and formal thought disorders within psychiatric practice. Featuring expert perspectives, we delve into definitions, classifications, cultural considerations, and neurobiological models underpinning these phenomena—essential for clinicians and students alike. Dr Vinesh Gupta DPM, MRCPsych, FRANZCP, PGCME is an accomplished psychiatric reporter with extensive exper...
May 7
50 min

The second part of this series delves into the fascinating world of perception, exploring normal sensations, illusions, hallucinations, and their cultural influences. Join us as we discuss how the brain constructs reality, the differences between true and pseudo-hallucinations, and the impact of cultural backgrounds on psychiatric assessment. Dr Vinesh Gupta DPM, MRCPsych, FRANZCP, PGCME is an accomplished psychiatric reporter with extensive experience in child, adolescent, and forensic psych...
Apr 23
50 min

In this conversation, Dr Vinesh Gupta and Professor Femi Oyebode discuss the critical role of psychopathology in psychiatry, the evolution of the DSM, and the implications of pathologising human behaviour. They explore the importance of understanding hallucinations within cultural contexts, the impact of efficiency on psychiatric practice, and the necessity of empathy and attentive listening in clinical settings. The discussion also highlights the interplay between physical and mental health,...
Apr 9
40 min

This conversation explores the impact of storytelling in psychiatry, emphasising how narratives shape identity and influence recovery. Dr Rory Hutchinson, Ms Bianca Millroy and A/Prof Warren Ward discuss their personal experiences with functional neurological disorder, the role of the medical gaze, and the importance of lived experience in understanding mental health. They delve into narrative medicine as a framework for enhancing patient care and the therapeutic value of reframing narratives...
Mar 26
1 hr 7 min
Load more
