Why are more people than ever being diagnosed with ADHD and autism? Is it better awareness, or are we over-pathologising natural differences in how people think and behave?

In this episode of Perspectives, Priory’s expert panel explores ADHD and autism—two conditions that have seen a dramatic rise in diagnoses in recent years, while discussing the evolving understanding of neurodiversity, the role of diagnosis, and the impact on mental health.

On this episode:

🔵 Why women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed – and how it presents differently

🔵 Social media’s role in ADHD and autism awareness (and misinformation risks)

🔵 Should ADHD and autism be considered ‘superpowers’ – or does this minimise real struggles?

On the panel:

▶️ Dr Samir Shah, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director

▶️ Dr David McLaughlan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of Curb

▶️ Debbie Longsdale, Priory's Therapy Director

LINKS TO SOURCES:

In 2021, a study found a 787% rise in the number of diagnoses between 1998 and 2018 in the UK:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/04/uk-increase-autism-diagnoses-neurodiversity

In 2023, ADHD was the second-most viewed condition on the NHS website.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3ejky0dy47o

TikTok and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study of Social Media Content Quality

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/07067437221082854

__

Priory offers fast access to autism assessments. Find out more and book yours here 👇

https://www.priorygroup.com/mental-health/autism/autism-assessments

Ketamine use is on the rise - so is it the UK's next drug crisis?

In this episode of Perspectives, our panel of experts tackle the issues behind ketamine’s rise and delve into the risks and consequences of this drug.

On the show:

🔵Why ketamine is today’s drug of choice for young people

🔵Ketamine bladder and the real physical consequences of this drug

🔵Using the ‘joker’, the ‘table turner' or the ‘diplomat’ to deal with peer pressure

On the panel:

▶️ Dr David McLaughlan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of Curb

▶️ Debbie Longsdale, Priory's Therapy Director

▶️ Claire Rimmer, Lead Addiction Therapist

INKS TO SOURCES:

Priory has seen a 34% increase in treatment enquiries for ketamine addiction:

https://www.priorygroup.com/media-centre/freshers-week-guidance-ketamine-is-not-a-safe-drug

Government data shows a 350% increase in people entering treatment for ketamine problems in the past 8 years: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2021-to-2022/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2021-to-2022-report

Find out more about Curb:

https://www.curb.health/

The mental health of our children and young people seems to be in decline - but what are the reasons behind it and what can we do to better support them?

In this episode of Perspectives, we discuss the state of young people's mental health today and outline what everyone, from parents to industry professionals, can do to help.

On the panel:

▶️ Dr Victoria Chamorro, Consultant Psychiatrist

▶️ Debbie Longsdale, Priory's Therapy Director

▶️ Jake Mills, CEO of charity Chasing the Stigma

LINKS TO SOURCES:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/15/number-children-mental-health-crisis-record-high-england

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/coronavirus-having-major-impact-on-young-people-with-mental-health-needs/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/climate-change-anxiety

Almost one in five women experience symptoms of a common mental health disorder. What factors are driving these issues in women, and what can we do to offer them more effective support?

In this episode of Perspectives, we deep dive into women's mental health, exploring issues like genetics, pregnancy, menopause, and the societal pressures placed on women.

On the panel:

▶️ Dr Victoria Chamorro, Consultant Psychiatrist

▶️ Debbie Longsdale, Priory's Therapy Director

▶️ Dr Samir Shah, Consultant Psychiatrist

LINKS TO SOURCES:

One in five women (19%) experience a Common Mental Disorder (CMO) - https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-survey/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-survey-survey-of-mental-health-and-wellbeing-england-2014

Abuse is main driver of mental ill health in women and girls, say psychiatrists - https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/08/abuse-is-main-driver-of-mental-ill-health-in-women-and-girls-say-psychiatrists

Young women seeking mental health help called ‘dramatic’, UK survey finds - https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/17/young-women-seeking-mental-health-help-called-dramatic-uk-survey-finds

Worried about A.I., climate catastrophe, or the seemingly endless cycle of negative news? In the latest episode of Perspectives, our mental health experts break down how we can stop thinking the worst and build a positive mindset in a world full of reasons to catastrophise.

Presented by our Chief Quality Officer Colin Quick, on the latest episode of Perspectives we discuss the modern phenomenon of catastrophic thinking and how to overcome it.

On the panel:

▶️ Dr David McLaughlan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Found of Curb

Sign up to Curb's waiting list here - https://www.curb.health/sign-up

▶️ Debbie Longsdale, Priory's Therapy Director

▶️ Dr Donald Masi, Consultant Psychiatrist

Welcome to Perspectives, a new series from Priory where we speak to panels of experts about the biggest issues in mental health and addictions.

Presented by our Chief Quality Officer Colin Quick, on the first episode of Perspectives we discuss staying sober (or cutting down) during winter.

On the panel:

▶️ Dr David McLaughlan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Co-Found of Curb

Sign up to Curb's waiting list here - https://www.curb.health/sign-up

▶️ Debbie Longsdale, Priory's Therapy Director

▶️ Dr Donald Masi, Consultant Psychiatrist

The winter months, including Christmas, can be a hugely challenging time for everyone - with many related stresses and anxieties that can lead to an increase in how much you drink. Join our panel as they delve into the unique challenges winter and Christmas have on our mental health, those in recovery, and those who are just looking to cut down on how much they're drinking.