Clare Mackay
Prof of Neuroscience, University of Oxford and @thetrichprof (insta, FB, YouTube)
#neuroskyence || #psychscisky || #BFRBs || #trichotillomania || #mentalhealth || #brainhealth || #art || #WomenInSTEM
- Reposted by Clare Mackay🔊One of the UK’s first Brain Health Clinics celebrates five years since it launched and more than 500 patients using its services. The Oxford Brain Health Clinic is dedicated to improving the assessment and diagnosis of memory problems. Find out more about its work👇 tinyurl.com/599ppynz
- Reposted by Clare MackayThere are 3 Oxford-based post doc positions for this Wellcome Trust project that will be advertised soon! If you have experinece in neurostimulation (tms/tus) and/or modelling of cogneuro data in humans do contact one of us (me, @mkflugge.bsky.social @lilweb.bsky.social, Jacinta OShea) to discuss!
- Repetitive negative thoughts will be investigated using a range of cutting-edge brain science techniques as part of a new study led by the Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and funded by Wellcome @wellcometrust.bsky.social 👇 tinyurl.com/364es88k
- Reposted by Clare Mackay🔊NEW RESEARCH: Shame plays a major role in hairpulling, a type of body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB), among young people, according to a study by @ox.ac.uk Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/ajjxz7rz @claremackay.bsky.social @pollywaite.bsky.social #BFRBs @acamh.bsky.social @oxhealthbrc.bsky.social
- Thanks to Oxford Sparks for the opportunity to talk about BFRBs!
- 🎙️ The #BigQuestions #Podcast is back for a brand new series! We're kicking off with a question that we know will resonate with many people... 🤚 Why do I bite my nails? We chat to Prof Clare Mackay (@claremackay.bsky.social) to find out all about #BFRBs 🎧 www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/podcasts/why...
- Proud moment as the first BFRB research study from the University of Oxford has been published. Great summary thread here from Polly…
- New paper with @claremackay.bsky.social led by MSc student Talia Mayerson on the role of shame in the adolescent hairpulling and co-occurring anxiety and depressive symptomology: acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/.... Summary below:
- Big news! I loved researching and writing this book, which is all about shedding the shame, and getting really curious about urges to pick, pull and bite. I can't wait to share it with you! It's out on April 2nd, and is available to pre-order now. #bfrb #bfrbs #bodyfocusedrepetitivebehaviors
- And we’re off! Oxford’s first neurodiversity conference. Massive effort from @ndv-andreiascosta.bsky.social and her army of volunteers. Looking forward to a great couple of days. #ohbrcNFconference
- Reposted by Clare Mackay📢 September is #WorldAlzheimer’sMonth, a time to raise awareness and support those affected by #dementia Our OH BRC Dementia Theme is pioneering research to shift dementia care from reactive treatment to proactive prevention and personalised management. 🌐 Learn more tinyurl.com/yefntkx2
- Reposted by Clare MackayFollowing social isolation, adolescents show increased sensitivity to rewards during effort-based decision making and reward learning. @livia-tomova.bsky.social @sjblakemore.bsky.social @emilyanntowner.bsky.social @stepalminteri.bsky.social @lei-zhang.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s44...
- Reposted by Clare MackayThe 6 things everybody should know about body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs)👇 In this new video, Professor Clare Mackay - aka The Trich Prof - shares the things she wished more people knew about BFRBs: tinyurl.com/4hbybrp2 @claremackay.bsky.social
- Thank you Lottie!
- Sharing this incredible video by @claremackay.bsky.social explaining six things we should all know about body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs): youtu.be/Rkc-vpXJ8Bw?...
- Reposted by Clare MackayCongratulations to Steve Smith @fmrib-steve.bsky.social for winning the OHBM 2025 Glass Brain Award! This lifetime achievement award recognises extraordinary contributions that drive the field forward - and we can't think of anyone more deserving. 👏👏👏
- And for the first time we’ll be exploring the prevalence and impact of body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) in a subset. So exciting!
- After a quiet spell here (because it’s been very busy!) — a big #OxWell update 📣🧠 Over 40,000 students have taken part in the 2025 survey so far — THANK YOU to every student who shared their voice 💬💛
- Reposted by Clare MackayPsychological distress over 30 years in Great Britain: the times they are a changin’ (or are they?) buff.ly/qpu4p0f 🧵 THREAD #MentalHealth #PsychologicalDistress #Surveys #GB #30years
- Reposted by Clare MackayOxford Brain Health Clinic is leading the way in dementia research participation. Be inspired this #ClinicalTrialsDay and see how you can #BePartOfResearch. oxfordhealthbrc.nihr.ac.uk/oxford-brain... @claremackay.bsky.social ay.bsky.social @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social
- Reposted by Clare MackayA new publication from University of Bath DClinPsy on #hairpulling #trichotillomania where I was #ExpertByExperience and external supervisor.
- Reposted by Clare Mackay🎉 Huge congratulations to all the @medsci.ox.ac.uk teams and individuals nominated in @ox.ac.uk VC Awards. The winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by the Vice-Chancellor yesterday. View the winners and highly commended nominations 👉 hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/vice-chancel...
- Reposted by Clare MackayHolly Haines is a Research Assistant in the Department of Psychiatry and Dementia Theme Co-Ordinator at Oxford Health BRC. She highlights that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain – and research shows that this is true throughout the lifespan, even for children and teenagers.
- Reposted by Clare MackayThis #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we asked researchers what one fact they wished more people knew about brain and mental health. #ThisIsMyCommunity #MHAWeek2025 #mentalhealth
- Rants about things that used to be easy and are now really hard... Giving blood I used to be a regular. I would rock up to a clinic at the hospital where I work, deliver my pint of blood, and be back at my desk within 30 mins 1/3
- In 2025 I have to... Create an account, make a booking (v limited slots, mostly inconvenient times), booking cancelled on the day of the apt, get a call from blood donation service to rebook, no slots available - embarrased tele-guy told me to look out for cancelations (!) (2/3)
- Eventually get round to rebooking. Tried to book at same time as hubby = impossible (we see different availability). Chose slot from inconvenient options, system says 'that slot is no longer available'. I GIVE UP! Altruism/civic duty shouldn't be this hard! (3/3) #nhs #givingblood
- Reposted by Clare Mackay🎉 It's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek! 💜 Join us. Share this post so that people know where to turn for support.
- Thank you @rethinkcharity.bsky.social for giving BFRBs the prominence they deserve on your website! www.rethink.org/advice-and-i...
- Reposted by Clare MackayAre you a UK psychiatrist with views to share about self-diagnosis? We’re looking for UK-based psychiatrists who work with young people aged 10–24 and would be available to take part in a 45-minute online interview (cont below) PLEASE SHARE WIDELY 🤩
- Reposted by Clare MackayI've just come across this, published last year, and the findings are surprising and important Public attitudes towards people with mental health problems improved from 2008 to 2019 - but then *decreased*. Found across three measures of stigma. Why? tinyurl.com/mvuhvz3r (cont)
- Reposted by Clare MackayLike many others, we’ve left X so we’re new around here - and with a new name too (formerly Dunhill Medical Trust). We’re looking forward to connecting with those who have great ideas and methods for improving the health and well-being of older people.
- End of an (excellent) era. @heidijoberg.bsky.social gives her last ever WIN talk. It’s been a blast, an honour and a privilege to be involved throughout.
- And it’s exciting to see what the fabulous @fmrib-karla.bsky.social will bring to the next phase of OxCIN! The future is bright.
- Reposted by Clare MackayA new study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reveals that GLP-1RAs, drugs for diabetes and obesity, may help treat dementia. Researchers from @oxhealthbrc.bsky.social found these medications could have neuroprotective effects. tinyurl.com/GLP1rasdemen...
- Reposted by Clare Mackay🎙️ NEW PODCAST: What happens after a dementia diagnosis? DPhil student Jasmine Blane talks to Oxford Sparks about how she is supporting #dementia patients & their families. 🎧 www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/podcasts/wha... @OxHealthBRC @UniofOxford
- Reposted by Clare MackayWe’re recruiting for 5 faculty positions in cognitive neuroscience, psychology & animal neuroscience! Exciting science going on @UofG, Glasgow is an amazing and green city with the friendliest people, and you’ll have the stunning highlands on your doorstep! tinyurl.com/mbn6yf56 Please repost!
- Reposted by Clare MackayThank goodness people are waking up to the fact that there is a crisis for clinical research in the UK @financialtimes.com High on the list are the bureaucratic processes that have become an obstacle to getting things done
- Fantastic blog about the inescapable link between stigma and distress.
- The inescapable role of stigma in driving depression and distress buff.ly/kpLdGC5 Mallory Moore summarises a systematic review in Social Science and Medicine by Aisling O'Donnell @draislingod.bsky.social and Aoife-Marie Foran. #Stigma #Depression #BFRBs 🧵 THREAD
- I was moved, humbled and filled with gratitude to read Marta Isibor’s brave and brilliant piece about her skin-picking journey in the Psychologist this week. She describes finding community with BFRB UK & Ireland, and then the impact of our Oxford conference 🥲🙏👏. www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...
- Reposted by Clare MackayAlzheimer’s is defined by a build-up of certain proteins in the brain. Oxford scientists have found these proteins in cervical lymph nodes, which act as 'brain bins'. More proteins were present in young people, suggesting they drain away less well in older brains. www.psych.ox.ac.uk/news/potenti...
- Reposted by Clare MackayGender equality doesn’t just 'happen.' Women’s rights must be fought for and protected. Our responsibility is clear. To lead by example and create a world where opportunities are fair for all. Not just today, but every single day. #InternationalWomensDay
- Reposted by Clare MackayWhy academia is sleepwalking into self-destruction. My editorial @brain1878.bsky.social If you agree with the sentiments please repost. It's important for all our sakes to stop the madness academic.oup.com/brain/articl...
- Reposted by Clare MackayJOB ADVERT Associate Professor of Social Psychology at University of Oxford + Fellowship at Christ Church. Can be appointed at Full Professor if suitably qualified. Come and join the best Psychology department there is! @oxexppsy.bsky.social Please share, and apply: tinyurl.com/OxSocialPsych
- Reposted by Clare MackayShame can be a significant struggle for those living with a #BFRB. Dr. Deibler writes about how impactful this experience can be in her new Psychology Today post: zurl.co/ywapK #Bodyfocusedrepetitivebehavior #trichotillomania #hairpulling #skinpicking #nailbiting #excoriation #culture #shame #CBT
- Love this. It’s something I’ve been thinking about in relation to BFRBs (picking, pulling or biting at hair, skin or nails) because some things that really help (eg manicured nails, false eyelashes etc) feel like they clash with my identity as a scientist. Embrace the femininity!
- How does femininity impact a woman's credibility in science? Rebecca Williams tackles this tough question in her latest blog. 💄 #WomenInSTEM #FemininityInScience buff.ly/3POA3Tg
- Reposted by Clare MackayHow does femininity impact a woman's credibility in science? Rebecca Williams tackles this tough question in her latest blog. 💄 #WomenInSTEM #FemininityInScience buff.ly/3POA3Tg
- Reposted by Clare MackayThe mind/body revolution: how the division between ‘mental’ and ‘physical’ illness fails us all
- I really enjoyed this chat with Meryl from Helping Minds (Trichstop.com and skinpick.com) - available here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMr3...
- Reposted by Clare MackayDo you have a new year's resolution to catch up more with old friends? In BBC Radio 4's Unexpected Elements, Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at @oxexppsy.bsky.social, talks about the number of meaningful relationships you can have at any one time. eu.vocuspr.com/ViewN...
- Reposted by Clare MackayAre you a parent or carer who wants to be involved in developing research about the mental health of children and young people? Join the Parent Carer Research Network parentcarerresearchnetwork.org.uk
- Meet my incredible, brave, 16-yr-old niece who talks to @ndv-andreiascosta.bsky.social about coming to terms with an autism diagnosis, the devastating consequences of school attendance policies, and finding her (powerful!) voice. #proudaunty www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPAd... 🧵
- The section from 11.20 on school struggles is particulary powerful: - Biggest problem = attendance targets (throughout) - Feeling not normal and not welcome (12.30) - Feeling trapped (12.45, 14.30, 16.50) - Impact on the whole family (15.00) (cont...)
- - Being made to feel that autism isn't real (15.50) - Mental health problems not treated on parity with physical health (throughout) - Mental health problems not a valid 'excuse' (15.50) - Bullying (21.30) - And how much better it is at 6th form college (24.25)
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View full threadThank you to my fantastic colleague @ndv-andreiascosta.bsky.social for giving Imogen this platform and for all you do to raise awareness and advocate for neurodiversity. Search for 'neurodiverse voices podcast' on spotify or apple podcasts to subscribe. 🙏🏻
- Reposted by Clare MackayICYMI
- Do you know any early career researchers in the UK who have contributed something special to improve research practices? The call for the 2025 Dorothy Bishop award is open now! Nominations close on 26 January 2025. www.ukrn.org/2024/12/12/t...
- I really enjoyed catching up on this. Irene is magnificent as always: pain with Mo Farrah and Stephen Fry (and lots of fab scientists), thoughts on kindness from the Pope, wealth creation in Universities, and a bucket list trip to sample Islay's Whiskeys. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
- ps - only 19 days left to listen... don't miss it! (if you fast forward all the old news, weather and sport it's about an hour)
- Reposted by Clare MackayWhy is diversity so important in helping people with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours? Today we celebrate all of the voices and perspectives buff.ly/3BL2Uo8 #BFRBs #Diversity #Science #Collaboration
- For 40 years, when I asked myself the question 'why can't I stop pulling out my hair?' the only answers I had were that I was bad/wrong/stupid/broken etc. There are much better, kinder and more interesting answers, snipits of which are summarised in this video...
- Uncovering the #mechanisms behind Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (4-mins) Watch & learn about #BFRBs in this 2nd of 3 videos made with @claremackay.bsky.social Thanks to John Geddes, Matthew Rushworth, @pollywaite.bsky.social & Robin Dunbar.
- Reposted by Clare MackayToday, we're looking at the mechanisms involved in BFRBs. ⭐️ Why do we pick, pull & bite our skin, hair & nails? ⭐️ How did these behaviours evolve? ⭐️ Why do they give us pleasure/comfort? ⭐️ If we understand mechanisms, can that help develop treatments? #BFRBs #Mechanisms @claremackay.bsky.social
- Uncovering the #mechanisms behind Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (4-mins) Watch & learn about #BFRBs in this 2nd of 3 videos made with @claremackay.bsky.social Thanks to John Geddes, Matthew Rushworth, @pollywaite.bsky.social & Robin Dunbar.
- Reposted by Clare MackayUncovering the #mechanisms behind Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (4-mins) Watch & learn about #BFRBs in this 2nd of 3 videos made with @claremackay.bsky.social Thanks to John Geddes, Matthew Rushworth, @pollywaite.bsky.social & Robin Dunbar.
- Fantastic collaboration with @thementalelf.bsky.social to highlight the unmet need and lack of awareness around BFRBs. Follow for more!
- Reposted by Clare Mackay📣 Recently staff and colleagues from across our BRC celebrated the outstanding leadership and achievements of Director Professor John Geddes at a lunch event to mark his retirement as Director, a role he has held since the start of OH BRC in 2017. Thanks you John! tinyurl.com/OHBRCdirecto...
- End of an era that is was such a joy and priviledge to be part of: oxfordhealthbrc.nihr.ac.uk/a-fond-farew...
- In September this year we held the first ever BFRB conference in Oxford. Here is a summary in numbers 🧵 #bfrb #bodyfocusedrepetitivebehaviors #trichotillomania #trichotillomaniasupport #dermatillomania #skinpickingdisorder #hairpullingdisorder #excoriation #nailbiting #livedexperiencescientist
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- Excited to share all the recorded talks from the Oxford BFRB Conference that we held in September. youtube.com/playlist?lis...
- Very sad to learn that my post-doc supervisor, the hugely influential and generous Tim Crow, died earlier this month. Sending my best wishes to his family. www.psych.ox.ac.uk/news/in-memo...
- Enjoying a bit of Sunday morning writing while storm Bert rages
