All In The Mind

Mental disorder as a defence in the court of law—mental impairment influences whether one is found guilty by the legal system and if the symptoms of mental illness are sometimes faked. 

At 24, acclaimed novelist Matt Haig’s world suddenly fell apart—he could no longer see a reason to live. Haig’s memoir is an honest and inspiring account of how he emerged from severe depression and anxiety, and learned to live again.

We talk with a practitioner of what's called Existential Therapy—one of the tenets of which is that all human beings have an innate fear of death, and that coming to terms with this fear through therapy can lead to a more authentic life. We discuss the various styles of psychotherapy being practised today.

More than 1.3 million men in Australia experience mental health problems but too few of them seek help because of the stigma that exists. We hear how early intervention is used in treatment; a young man's social enterprise to help others, and the relationship between men’s mental health and their ageing process.

Being Mindful in May—mindfulness as a treatment for depression, and why Google is encouraging it in the workplace.

At the age of 12 Martin Pistorius developed a mysterious neurological illness. He fell into a coma and was unable to move or communicate. It was assumed he had no awareness but a couple of years later he began to wake up—yet no-one knew. He was trapped inside his body for almost 10 years until he found a way to communicate. Using computer-generated voice technology he tells us about how he coped w...

When people are deeply traumatised by war, disaster or abuse their reality is distinctly different to those around them—but treatment of the mind may come through the body.

The discovery that our brains can adapt their physical structure in response to mental experience was put in the spotlight several years ago by Dr. Norman Doidge. This adaptation has become known as neuroplasticity, and in his latest book Norman Doidge writes about the brain even being able to heal itself without surgery.

Have you ever had a dream in which you are aware that you are dreaming? These seemingly altered states of consciousness are called lucid dreams.

In the first of our two-part series on dreaming we explore the latest science about this altered state of consciousness.

The hidden forces that shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. What if your name could predict your future career, your culture could influence your judgement of distance, or the physical appearance of your chess opponent could determine whether you win or lose?

The intriguing story of the neuroscientist with the brain scan of a psychopathic killer, and can we stop 'callous and unemotional' kids from becoming adult psychopaths?

Willpower is the greatest human strength. Our capacity for self control is a finite energy and can be strengthened with exercise.

Are we in the midst of a narcissism epidemic? We explore the causes, symptoms and solutions to this growing trend of self obsession.

In the early 90s a team of neuroscientists reported a new class of brain cells in the macaque monkey and the mirror neuron theory took off. It's been used to explain many aspects of what it is to be human, but has it been oversold?

From clinical hypnosis to transcranial direct current stimulation

Hear about a man who had deep brain stimulation surgery, and who was woken up in the middle of it to answer the surgeon's questions.

What works for borderline personality disorder

The mind’s role in healing.

A young woman's terrifying month of madness and how the mystery of her illness was solved.

Have you ever had a dream in which you are aware that you are dreaming? These seemingly altered states of consciousness are called lucid dreams.

In the first of our two-part series on dreaming we explore the latest science about this altered state of consciousness.

When a child is diagnosed with autism it can initially be devastating for parents—but then confusion sets in—what’s the most helpful approach? 

Positive psychology now uses scientific methods to help increase our sense of well being. Coaching can be effective, both on a personal level and in the workplace.

As part of Mental Health Week , we discuss some of the intensive research efforts trying to uncover the mysteries of the devastating brain disease of schizophrenia.