In this special episode for South Asian Heritage Month, Dr Hassan Mahmood - Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Learning Disability and Autism in Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust - hosts an inspiring conversation with Dr Syeda Zakia Shaherbano - Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in learning disabilities and autism, and Dr Shaheen Shora - a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director, whose personal and professional journeys from South Asia to the UK illuminate the power of resilience, community, and cultural identity.

Through heartfelt storytelling, they explore how their lived experiences have shaped their careers in psychiatry, enriched their understanding of patient care, and driven innovation to address health inequalities. From overcoming personal challenges to advocating for culturally sensitive mental health services, this episode celebrates the strength found in heritage and the transformative role of diversity in the NHS.

In this special Pride episode of the RCPsych Podcast, we sit down with Dr Bradley Hillier, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director of HumanMind Health. With over two decades of experience in trauma, addiction, and LGBTQ+ mental health, Dr Hillier brings both clinical expertise and personal insight to a conversation that is as urgent as it is overdue.

Together, we explore the chemsex crisis, a complex and often hidden issue affecting many in the LGBTQ+ community. From the initial allure of disinhibition and connection to the devastating consequences of overdose, psychosis, and suicide, this episode goes beyond the headlines to examine the deeper forces at play: trauma, shame, minority stress, and the systemic gaps in care.

We discuss why chemsex has become such a critical public health concern, the barriers that prevent people from seeking help, and what effective, compassionate support can and should look like. We also reflect on the role of institutions, from healthcare providers to dating apps, in either perpetuating harm or becoming part of the solution.

This is a sobering but hopeful conversation, one that honours the complexity of chemsex, the resilience of those affected, and the urgent need for coordinated, inclusive, and trauma-informed care.

🔗 Resources:

Antidote: Drugs & Alcohol Support - https://londonfriend.org.uk/antidote/

Terence Higgins Trust - https://www.tht.org.uk/get-help/support-services/lets-talk-about-chemsex?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=365455812&gbraid=0AAAAADqE5LTRex_CnCIf2geu1V3uSh7ob&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4adP-iVa0EmsE3-tMxQ_9NWSeMt5j3DBRKovugHWb5DA3Ji7U98T_saAkJcEALw_wcB

LGBT Foundation - https://lgbt.foundation/help/chemsex-support-and-advice/

In this insightful episode, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Vic Chapman joins us to explore anorexia nervosa — a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder that affects many young people. Dr Chapman explains the key features of anorexia nervosa, early signs, the psychological and physical impacts, the diagnostic process, and wholistic treatment approaches. She also discusses the importance of early identification and timely intervention, the role of family-based support, and the multifaceted factors that lead to recovery.

We also hear from a young expert-by-experience who bravely shares her personal journey with anorexia nervosa. Now in recovery, she reflects on the realities of experiencing anorexia nervosa, the support that made a difference, and what helped them move toward healing. her story brings a powerful and hopeful perspective to the conversation.

Last but not least, Professor Dasha Nicholls, an academic child and adolescent psychiatrist at Imperial College, National Specialist Advisor on Eating Disorders, NHS England and RCPsych’s Clinical & Strategic Director, National Audits & Research, provides an overview of the latest research and policy developments in the field. She highlights the growing emphasis on personalised care through identifying individual risk factors, and how eating disorders in young people remain a national healthcare priority. Her insights shed light on the future direction of eating disorder care - and highlight the critical role of digitalisation of services and routinely collected clinical data in advancing accessible, tailored support.

LINKS:

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/order-mental-health-resources

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

In this episode, consultant child psychiatrist and NHS England GIRFT Clinical Lead for Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Services, Dr. Holan Liang, discusses how Tourette’s Syndrome presents in children and young people. She provides an in-depth look at the assessment process, evidence-based management strategies, and the complexities regarding common co-occurring conditions such as ADHD. Dr. Liang also highlights the crucial role of awareness and understanding among those around young people with tics in providing effective support. Dr Liang finishes with the latest scientific research on interventions for tics, covering psychotherapeutic models, medications, and emerging approaches such as nerve stimulation.

We also hear the inspiring story of Kian and his mother, Jigna, as they share their journey with Tourette’s. They also discuss their advocacy work, shedding light on the challenges faced by children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions and their caregivers.

In the final segment, Lucy Toghill, Education Manager at Tourette’s Action, joins the conversation to outline the support and resources available for children and young people through charitable organisations.

Dr. Asilay Seker sits down with Professor Kapil Sayal from the University of Nottingham to discuss the STADIA trial (STAndardised DIagnostic Assessment for children and adolescents with emotional difficulties), which he led. This multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating a standardised diagnostic assessment tool into routine clinical care within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Professor Sayal explains the study’s aims, the significance of its findings, and how STADIA offered valuable insights into rethinking CAMHS provision. He also discusses how a more digitalised approach could expand the service’s reach and enhance support for young people and families.

Asilay is later joined by Professor Andrea Danese. They discuss the complexities of trauma and PTSD, particularly in children and young people. He clarifies the definitions of trauma and PTSD, emphasizing the importance of subjective experiences in understanding mental health outcomes. The conversation also explores the impact of neurodiversity on trauma processing and highlights the need for flexible diagnostic approaches. Finally, Professor Danese underscores the importance of evidence-based treatments for PTSD and the urgent need to improve access to these interventions for affected youth.

RESOURCES:

https://www.acamh.org/blog/the-stadia-trial-exploring-clinical-and-cost-effectiveness/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-020-0880-3

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2818046

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.14048

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.14090

We produce mental health information to support young people which can be found in the mental health section of our website. RCPsych also produces factsheets for schools, colleges and other organisations, which cover a range of topics from diagnosable conditions to everyday challenges young people deal with. Written by psychiatrists in collaboration with young people, these are available for schools and college to order online.

Click here to order: https://rcpsych.myshopify.com/collections/mental-health-for-young-people-and-children

In this conversation, Dr Elaine Lockhart speaks with Dr Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, about the critical importance of early intervention in mental health, the impact of social determinants and structural racism on mental health services, and the need for psychiatrists to champion community-based solutions. She stresses the urgency of addressing the treatment gap, particularly for children and young people, and highlights the importance of a motivated workforce within the field of psychiatry.

Later, Elaine talks to Professor Bernadka Dubika about her extensive work in child and adolescent mental health, focusing on behavioural activation, the role of antidepressants, and the importance of training staff in CAMHS. She emphasises the need for a biopsychosocial approach to understanding young people's mental health challenges and the significance of fundamental clinical care in practice.

In this New Year special episode, Dr Elaine Lockhart sits down with Baroness Hilary Cass to discuss her pivotal role in chairing the independent review into gender identity services for children and young people. She explores the background and growing need for the review, addressing the rise in referrals, key findings, and her recommendations for providing holistic, evidence-based care. Dr Cass highlights the importance of understanding the diverse needs of young people in this sensitive area of healthcare.

Meanwhile, Dr Asilay Seker sits down with Dr Saam Idelji-Tehrani to examine the underrepresentation of minoritised ethnic groups in mental health services, focusing on a significant study conducted at Great Ormond Street. Saam discusses the potential impact of unconscious bias in triage processes, barriers to accessing care, and the pressing need for improved data collection on ethnicity. He emphasises the importance of addressing intersectionality and the broader implications of these findings for research and practice.

The conversation explores the evolving understanding of bipolar disorder in children and young people, emphasising the importance of early detection and intervention. Dr Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo discusses the challenges in diagnosing bipolar disorder, particularly the significant delays and the complexities involved in distinguishing it from other mental health conditions. The discussion also highlights the need for personalised treatment approaches and the involvement of young people in research to improve outcomes.

We then hear from Simon Kitchen, Chief Executive Officer of Bipolar UK. He explains how his charity plays a vital role in providing support and raising awareness about the condition, as well as what more can be done.

In this podcast, Dr Adi Sharma discusses bipolar disorder, focusing on its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and the challenges faced by adolescents and their families. He emphasises the importance of understanding the condition, the need for effective treatment, and the significance of psychoeducation for families. The conversation also highlights the difficulties in transitioning from child to adult services and the personal experiences of young individuals living with bipolar disorder.

This discussion delves into the complexities of diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder, particularly in young people. It highlights the challenges faced by families, the importance of early diagnosis, and the role of support systems. The conversation also emphasises the need for workplace adjustments and advocacy to improve the lives of those living with bipolar disorder.

In this podcast, Dr. Adi Sharma discusses bipolar disorder, focusing on its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and the challenges faced by adolescents transitioning to adulthood. He emphasises the importance of understanding the condition's onset in teenagers, the role of medication and psychosocial support, and the need for better resources and support systems for young people and their families.

The conversation delves into the complexities of diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder in young people, emphasising the need for systemic change in healthcare. Adi Sharma discusses the importance of integrated care within CAMHS, the challenges faced by clinicians due to limited exposure to bipolar cases, and the necessity of training and awareness. Personal experiences shared by Jack and his father highlight the struggles and triumphs of living with bipolar disorder