Calm journal
Research, book reviews, and a closer look at whatever’s making headlines – on diagnosis, ageing, money, apps, and the mind.
It’s still early days with this project, so there’s not that many posts at the moment. But I’m planning to publish at least two or three a week. I’ve grouped them under categories. Simply click on the link under the heading to view posts within a category.
Each post also has its own topic tags, so if you’re interested in a particular topic, just click the links at the bottom of the page. And if you have an idea for a post, please do get in touch.
ADHD diagnosis rejected
Dr Sami Timimi has spent decades watching diagnosis rates climb – and now asks whether taking one away can help too. A closer look at his case.
Bilateral audio reviewed
Social ads are pushing “EMDR-inspired bilateral audio” for overthinking. What’s genuinely borrowed from real therapy, and what isn’t.
Weighted blankets
Once a specialist tool for sensory needs, weighted blankets are now a bedroom staple. A look at why they’ve caught on, and what the evidence actually shows.
ASMR, reviewed
Millions watch people whisper and tap on camera for a reason. A look at what the research actually shows about ASMR – and why it only works for some of us.
Rethinking the spectrum
Dame Uta Frith helped define the autistic spectrum. Now she argues it’s grown too wide to be useful – a closer look at her case, and where it’s contested.
Insight Timer reviewed
Insight Timer offers one of the largest free meditation libraries anywhere. An honest look at what’s genuinely excellent, and what’s worth knowing first.
NSDR, unpacked
NSDR is turning up everywhere from podcasts to meditation apps, promising deep rest without falling asleep. It’s largely an old practice under a new name.
The age of de-diagnosis
Dr Sami Timimi has spent decades watching diagnosis rates climb – and now asks whether taking one away can help too. A closer look at his case.
I’m fine but not really
Insight Timer offers one of the largest free meditation libraries anywhere. An honest look at what’s genuinely excellent, and what’s worth knowing first.
Money worries and ageing
New UCL research links persistent money troubles in adulthood to faster brain ageing decades later, across nearly seventy years of data on this.
UK mental health crisis
New data names the UK the worst country in Europe for mental health, third worst in the world. A look at what the report actually found.