Thriving Young Minds

This episode discusses body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) in teenagers, featuring Prof Polly Waite, Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research and Louisa Kotzee, Research Assistant in the Dept. of Experimental Psychology Polly and Louisa discuss what BFRBs are and how they relate to other conditions. They cover the research taking place in this area, specifically focused on the teenage years. The guests draw on both personal and professional experiences, to share key messages of support and how to seek help, including the importance of a compassionate approach to tackling BFRBs.

More information and advice on BFRBs is available:

We’ve created a factsheet about BFRBs for teenagers.

BFRB UK & Ireland is a charity that brings people affected by BFRBs together across the UK, Ireland and beyond through support groups, advocacy and education.

There is a short introduction to BFRBs on YouTube by friend of OCEMR Prof Clare Mackay, and she has written a book Keep your Hair On, she also shares information on Instagram: @thetrichprof

This episode discusses anxiety in preadolescent children (4-12 years), particularly the treatment landscape and our hopes for prevention and early intervention. The guests focus on the research happening at OCEMR, the place of technology, and the barriers children face to accessing treatment. The episode features Prof Cathy Creswell and Dr Chloe Chessell, both OCEMR.

With many thanks to the Parent Carer Research Network for submitting a question to this episode (parentcarerresearchnetwork.org.uk).

If you have been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, your GP will be able to advise on local services available to support you.