It’s difficult to get excited about old age psychiatry. Often seen as the “palliative” end of psychiatry, there is a reluctance to see much of a benefit with regards to looking after older people, let alone excited about it. It
The History of Antidepressants
I had a great time collaborating with TED Education on this video. We discuss the history of the first antidepressants, from iproniazid and imipramine through to fluoxetine. We’ve come a long way very quickly, but there is still a lot
Christmas during a pandemic
We have had more mental health issues this Christmas than before, in a time which is usually renowned for its relative safety. What are we to make of a message of joy and happiness during a pandemic?
Ageing and Mental Health
When considering ageing and mental health, it would not be surprising to regard ageing as a risk factor for mental health in itself. However, this is a misnomer. Research has consistently demonstrated that mental health issues improve as one ages.
When experts found isolation was a great thing
The COVID pandemic has forced many of us into isolation. About 50 years ago, one of the largest sociological experiments of its time found that that may be a good thing. I write in the Herald about the evidence for
Freedom and the Pandemic
Even as we knew America was to fare poorly under the pandemic, expectations have been surpassed. Amidst widespread and rising infections, there is political rebellion at all levels of society, with armed uprisings. Wearing a facemask has been likened to
How do you tell if someone has an anxiety disorder during a pandemic?
The commonest mental illness is anxiety, afflicting up to 30% of Australians at some point in their lifetime. Roughly a sixth of them have a specific phobia, often a fear of infection. For those who have been suffering in secret
Book Chapter: Psychodynamic Approaches to Dementia: The Australian Experience.
https://www.routledge.com/Psychodynamic-Approaches-to-the-Experience-of-Dementia-Perspectives-from/Evans-Garner-Darnley-Smith/p/book/9780415786652 “This is an essential and unique book which courageously explores the subjective world of dementia. So many find too terrifying to contemplate and yet with this book as a guide, clinicians, but also families and carers, will come closer
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for the Older Adult – 2 contrasting cases
My latest paper discusses the psychodynamic therapy of two patients over the age of 65, with some dramatic results – for them as well as me! Please contact me if you would like the fulltext. https://doi.org/10.1177/1039856219871885
Why 65 is old – Blame Politics
This election, it’s important to remember the impact politicians can have on society. For example, the concept of the older person. There is ongoing debate regarding what constitutes an older person, but it generally centres around a magic number. In