Circadian rhythms, the natural variations in our behaviour and activity throughout a 24-hour period, are known to affect everything from hormones to eating habits. Now, a new study led by the University of Glasgow and published in The Lancet Psychiatry, has found that disrupted circadian rhythms are associated with increased risk of mood disorders, including […]
Rebecca Wallersteiner takes a look at the tranquil ‘The Embroidered Minds Epilepsy Garden,’ – inspired by William Morris’ daughter Jenny’s epilepsy – designed by award winning designer Kati Crome at the Chelsea Flower Show 2018 and sponsored by the Epilepsy Society. ‘The Embroidered Minds Epilepsy Garden designed by award-winning garden designer Kati Crome is a […]
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Dr Emma Vardy is speaking today at the Royal Society of Medicine’s meeting, People ‘need’ pets: exploring the psycho-social benefits of the human/animal relationship. ‘We know that animals can be beneficial when it comes to improving mental health and wellbeing. Therapy dogs, which are specially selected and trained because of their calm, placid natures, are […]
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Twins generate a great deal of excitement and curiosity, and with the increasing frequency of twin births as a result of IVF and later age of conception, amongst other factors, it is important to understand the true nature of twinship and how it affects, and is affected by, us all. In particular, we need to […]
Researchers have moved a step closer to understanding eating disorders – a move which could ultimately lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the conditions. It is estimated the NHS spends around £1.6 billion a year on eating disorders, but despite these efforts anorexia nervosa has the highest death rate of all psychiatric conditions, with […]
I am proud of having initiated Britain’s National Autism Project (NAP). This started in late 2014, reported in 2017 and has just moved into its legacy phase. Its original purpose was to map the existing research base on autism and provide authoritative recommendation on what further research was needed. A team from the London School […]
Publication of our recent research on aluminium and autism has prompted myriad questions not least of which being ‘what next?’ Before attempting an answer, it is important to re-visit the conclusions of the research, specifically a potentially causal link between aluminium in brain tissue and autism. Aluminium in brain tissue is an inevitable consequence of […]
Edinburgh University’s Patrick Wild Centre was opened in 2010 by Alfred Wild who had watched his parents care for his autistic brother and determined to help people affected by autism. Last year the University drew up plans for a combined clinical and basic science facility to investigate and assess autism, Fragile X syndrome, intellectual disabilities […]
Should we always challenge the distorted beliefs of someone with dementia or do inaccurate memories play an important role in helping them to retain key information? Researchers at the University of Birmingham suggest that distorted memories play a role in preserving knowledge for someone with dementia and that the role they play should be evaluated. […]
Alexander’s film gives an uplifting introduction to autism for young non-autistic audiences, aiming to raise awareness, understanding and tolerance in future generations. […]
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