Aurora Podcast - Episode 3

Young Minds, Big Feelings

About this episode

This podcast aims to equip GPs with practical insights into identifying, understanding, and managing complex psychiatric presentations in young people aged 16–21, including personality disorders, early-onset mood and psychotic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and autism.

The podcast explores the complex world of youth mental health through relaxed conversations, Q&A, clinical case examples. Specifically, Dr Hartman unpacks the challenges of diagnosing and treating personality disorders and other early-onset, complex psychiatric conditions in young people aged 16 to 21. 

Together, they delve into the nuances of adolescent development, the overlap between mood and neurodevelopmental disorders, and the importance of early intervention and integrated care. With insights from the clinic and detailed case studies, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate look at the road to recovery and resilience.

Learning outcomes

• Recognise the early signs and risks of untreated personality disorders and complex psychiatric conditions in young people, and understand the role of early intervention in improving long-term outcomes.
• Differentiate between emerging personality disorders, mood disorders, trauma-related symptoms, and neurodevelopmental presentations such as ADHD and autism in adolescents and young adults.
• Identify signs of acute psychiatric distress, including self-harm, suicidality, early psychosis, and emotional dysregulation in young people, and understand when to refer for urgent specialist care and multidisciplinary management.
• Describe Belmont Private Hospital’s youth and adolescent services and how to refer for timely access to care.

Presented by

• Dr David Hartman – MBBS, FRANZCP, Psychiatrist, Director of Young Adult Unit, Belmont Private Hospital
• A/Prof Peta-Ann Teague  – MBChb, MRCGP, DRCOG, FRACGP,Dip Med Ed, James Cook University

Support at Belmont Private Hospital

The Young Adult Unit at Belmont Private Hospital in Brisbane provides specialised, evidence-based mental health care for individuals aged 16 to 21 facing significant and complex psychological challenges. Designed to support young people through a critical developmental stage, the unit offers both inpatient and day programs tailored to conditions such as mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, and emerging personality disorders.

With 10 private rooms, modern therapeutic spaces, and a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and allied health professionals, the unit delivers structured, compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment. Programs include diagnostic assessments, medication management, and group therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and social skills training.

Whether for stabilisation, diagnostic clarity, or long-term recovery planning, Belmont’s Young Adult Unit helps young people regain direction, build resilience, and re-engage with life.