All In The Mind

When writer Steve Silberman noticed a high proportion of Silicon Valley workers who had children with autism—and the massive increase in diagnoses of autism in the mid 90s—he decided to investigate.

We know that as a nation we’re more overweight than ever—losing kilos is a major challenge for many, despite the plethora of diet information around us—but we can equip our mind to take better control.

Some people worry about their health more than others, but although many of us have pondered over whether an ache or pain could be the sign of something more sinister, for those people with hypochondria or health anxiety, the symptoms of illness can become the central focus of their lives.

At the age of 24, acclaimed novelist Matt Haig’s world suddenly fell apart—he could no longer see a reason to live. Haig’s memoir is an honest and inspiring account of how he emerged from severe depression and anxiety, and learned to live again.

Living with mental illness is no laughing matter but when stand-up comedians draw on their own personal experience for their material it can be therapeutically powerful and hilarious.

Dementia affects around 350,000 Australians. Whilst there’s still no cure, a better insight into the experience of dementia can help to improve the care and quality of life for those affected.

We know that human beings misbehave—we’re irrational, indecisive and passionate—yet conventional economics assumes that we will always behave logically. However behavioural economics knows us better, and combines psychology with an understanding of incentives and markets.

Combined with knowledge from modern neuroscience and applied to the treatment of trauma and serious mental disorders, could psychoanalysis be a treatment for our times

We hear the story of one man’s experience of this delusion, and a psychiatrist who reflects on the impact that popular culture can have on our mental health.

How does our brain function in the age of information overload?