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Memory and depression; Global mental health; Compassion training

How an ancient memory training technique can help people with depression. Can people learn compassion? Claudia Hammond explores the limits and potential of the human mind.

An ancient memory training technique is being used to help people with depression. When someone is depressed they can find it hard to remember happier times. Dr Tim Dalgleish's study used the method of loci, associating familiar places with positive memories.

What is the best way to treat mental health problems around the world?
Vikram Patel, a Wellcome Trust Senior Fellow with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Sangath Centre in Goa in India, and Professor Pat Bracken, Psychiatrist and Clinical Director of the Mental Health Service in West Cork in Ireland, debate the extent to which a western psychiatric model can be used in low and middle income countries.

New research by Helen Weng from the University of Wisconcin Madison has shown that a short course in meditation can increase altruism.

Available now

28 minutes

Chapters

  • Memory training

    How an ancient memory training method can help people with depression.

    Duration: 07:47

  • Global Mental Health

    Global Mental Health

    Duration: 11:22

  • Meditation and compassion

    Can a short course in meditation increase altruism and even teach us to love our enemies?

    Duration: 06:46

Broadcasts

  • Tue 4 Jun 2013 21:00
  • Wed 5 Jun 2013 15:30

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