The Teenage Brain Explained with Prof Sarah-Jayne Blakemore
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a psychologist and neuroscientist from the University of Cambridge.
They discuss the key neurological changes that occur during adolescence and why the teenage brain is distinct from both children's and adults' brains. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions, challenging the idea of adolescence as a period of chaos and instead highlighting it as a crucial stage of growth and development.
Sarah-Jayne shares insights from her research on how understanding the teenage brain can reshape our perspective on young people and the opportunities this presents for supporting them more effectively.
Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com
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The Power of Mindfulness for Mental Health with Prof Willem Kuyken
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Prof Willem Kuyken, a research clinical psychologist and author from the University of Oxford.
They discuss Willem’s journey into mental health research and why he focuses specifically on mindfulness and its benefits for mental health. The conversation explores key findings from his studies on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and the impact it has on young people's mental health.
Willem also shares insights from his work on whether mindfulness-based approaches could potentially help tackle structural inequalities in mental health.
Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com
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Why is Depression Rising Among Young People? with Dr Maria Loades
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Maria Loades, a clinical psychologist and mental health researcher from the University of Bath.
They discuss Dr Loades’ journey into mental health research and why she focuses specifically on depression and anxiety in young people. The conversation explores key findings from her studies on isolation, loneliness, and the impact of the pandemic on youth mental health.Â
Dr Loades also shares insights from her work on school-based mental health interventions in South Africa and reflects on her hopes for the future of prevention and treatment strategies.
Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies https://www.tiberone.com/
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Designing Research That Saves Lives with Professor Nav Kapur
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor speaks to Professor Nav Kapur, a leading researcher in suicide prevention and self-harm, and a professor of psychiatry and population health at the University of Manchester.
Nav's work has shaped policy and clinical practice across the UK and beyond, making him one of the foremost voices in understanding the complexities of suicide and self-harm.
In this episode, we explore the challenges of designing effective interventions, what the data tells us about the epidemiology of self-harm, and why evidence-based approaches are so essential in this field.
Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies https://www.tiberone.com/
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How We Got Our Start in Research
This 5th of July marks the third Research Appreciation Day. A day started by us at MQ to celebrate the hard work of health researchers from all disciplines.
For this special episode of Open Mind, and since this year’s theme is ‘Careers in Research’, here are our esteemed guests explaining how they got their start in research.
Open Mind will return in the following weeks, and we hope to see you again for more lived experience stories and more mental health research.
https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/research-appreciation-day/
MQ Open Mind looks at the science behind mental health and its potential to transform lives. The show digs deep into the cutting-edge research taking on mental illness and speaks to the people it could help. Hear conversations on a range of different conditions, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar. Brought to you by the mental health research charity, MQ: Transforming Mental Health