The overlooked link between ADHD and postnatal depression

Postnatal depression (PND) affects many new parents and should be a consideration in care during pregnancy and beyond but, with mounting evidence that this experience can be more complex, serious, and under-recognised in new parents with ADHD, we must explore this condition further to better support those affected. While links between ADHD and ment...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Angus McLellan

What is CAMHS and how can it help my child?

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. It’s an NHS service that helps children and young people up to the age of 18 who are experiencing emotional, behavioural, or mental health difficulties. If your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-harm, or other mental health concerns, CAMHS may be able to prov...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Andrea Pickering

Why gender stereotypes affect autism diagnosis in women and girls

Statistically, more males than females are diagnosed as autistic. Unfortunately, societal expectations of gender roles can heavily influence how behaviours are perceived and whether they are recognized as potentially autistic. Girls and women are more likely to internalize challenges they encounter and mask their differences in order to fit in, oft...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Leanne Cooper-Brown

Do we know what causes autism?

There isn't a single known cause of autism. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. ASD affects how people communicate, interact, and experience the world. While autism is often present from birth with noticeable characteristics d...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Leanne Cooper-Brown

World Suicide Prevention Day: Changing the narrative - How to talk about suicide safely and supportively

Talking about the impact of poor mental health, especially topics as emotionally charged as suicide, may never feel particularly comfortable or natural for many of us. But, with suicide being the leading cause of death in men under the age of 50 and an increasing threat to 15–24-year-olds, we cannot responsibly shy away from the conversation ...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Andrea Pickering

How can CBT help children and teenagers?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective form of talking therapy that has gained great popularity in managing mental health issues in children and teenagers. It empowers children and teenagers to identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours and replace them with positive, healthy ones. CBT is commonly used to manage cond...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Andrea Pickering

Early warning signs of depression in bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterised by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, and people with the condition commonly experience episodes of mania (elevated mood) alternating with depression. In this video, Dr Angus McLellan explains the early signs of a depressive episode, from persistently low mood to shifts in sleep patterns, low ...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Angus McLellan

How does ADHD affect learning?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can pose learning challenges for children, students, and adults. Understanding ADHD and learning is important for creating supportive learning environments. By knowing how ADHD affects learning, parents and teachers can incorporate inclusive teaching strategies. In this guide, we look at the relations...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Amy Mowson

How climate change is impacting mental health

Many of us are increasingly aware, and concerned, about the impact of climate change on wildlife, our environment, and the planet as a whole. Predictions for the global impact of climate change if action is not taken can be anxiety inducing, especially as such a small percentage of emissions are created by UK households, which can make it hard for ...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Andrea Pickering

What is bulimia?

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. Someone with bulimia may experience episodes of binge-eating, followed by behaviours to prevent weight gain. Behaviours may include vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. These cycles are often driven by a need to regain control or manage difficult emotions. They can have serious effects on both...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Andrea Pickering

Autism and managing routines during the holidays

Many autistic people rely on routine for a sense of safety and consistency and for some, public holidays can be a source of anxiety rather than relaxation. Whether the change in your usual routine is down to school closures, summer holidays, travel, or any other kind of public holiday, changes to your usual routine might need some additional consid...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Leanne Cooper-Brown

What happens after an autism diagnosis in the UK?

After receiving an autism diagnosis, you should be kind to yourself. It's important to take time to understand your feelings, and how autism may affect you. Receiving an autism diagnosis does not change who you are. However, it may allow you to access the support you may need and further understand your unique challenges and strengths. In this arti...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Leanne Cooper-Brown

The potential impact of CBD on neurodevelopmental conditions

Cannabidiol (CBD) was initially discovered in 1940 and has since been studied for its potential uses, receiving its own awareness day in 2018. Differing from THC (which is found in higher concentrations in marijuana), CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause a high, meaning it could be used without causing intoxication. Since this discovery, ther...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Angus McLellan

What are the symptoms of eating disorders?

Eating disorders affect both mental and physical health. The signs can include extreme focus on weight or food, changes in eating habits, distorted body image, and serious emotional distress. These signs vary depending on the type of eating disorder but often involve patterns of restriction, bingeing, purging, or excessive exercise. In this guide, ...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Andrea Pickering

Living with PTSD: How to support a loved one at home

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences a traumatic event. Symptoms can be long-lasting and may significantly affect everyday life, often involving intense fear, anxiety, or distress. In this video, Clinical Director Adrian Williams discusses the core types of PTSD behaviours&mda...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Adrian Williams

What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults?

In recent years, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness has spread among both medical professionals and patients. Behaviours of ADHD have previously been overlooked, leading to both clear and subtle signs of ADHD going unrecognised and misrepresented. Thankfully, we're seeing changes. Adult ADHD is different from Childhood ADHD, ...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Amy Mowson

Birds of a feather: What we know about the friendships between neurodivergent people

If you or someone you love has a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism or ADHD, you’re likely to be aware of some of the common barriers to close and long-lasting relationships that people experience. This perception of neurodivergence may feel discouraging but, as we are seeing more in shared experiences online through social media, me...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Leanne Cooper-Brown

Is bipolar hereditary?

For both clinicians and patients, the cause of a mental health condition can be key to management and offers greater understanding of the condition itself. Bipolar disorder is an example of a condition that can be inherited. It has been found that genetic factors are one of the main causes of the condition. It is not just limited to hereditary caus...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Andrea Pickering

Recognising early signs of mania in bipolar disorder

The early signs of mania in someone with bipolar disorder can vary widely from person to person. Some common indicators might include sustained elevated mood, reduced need for sleep, an increase in energy, or unusual or overly ambitious ideas. In rarer cases, hallucinations or delusional beliefs may even occur. In this video, Dr Angus McLellan disc...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Angus McLellan

What are the signs of PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and responds to everyday situations after a traumatic experience. This often occurs long after the event itself. Experiences can range from flashbacks and nightmares to ongoing anxiety, emotional numbness, or sudden anger. PTSD can affect anyone at any age. It isn't limit...

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Clinically reviewed

  • Dr Paige Fujiu-Baird