2^nd International Conference on Psychiatry and Psychiatric Disorders May 02-04, 2016 Chicago, Illinois, USA

Biography:

Wala Maaitah is currently a Social Psychology PhD student at the University of Jena, Germany. She is interested in socio-psychological dynamics that define social groups involved in intractable conflicts. She is also interested in psychological trauma and its repercussions for politics and inter-group relations.

Abstract:

The social and psychological processes involved in sustaining the well-being of social groups suffering the consequences of intractable conflicts are far away from being completely understood. Intractable conflicts are principally arduous to resolve as they are anchored in intransigent and inflexible sociopsychological dynamics which define the mind-set of social groups involved and debilitate their well-being simultaneously. The rejection identification model proposed by Branscombe et al. (1999) puts forward that out-group pervasive rejection and continued discrimination impairs in-group's well-being. Yet, in-group's positive self-esteem is preserved through the positive counteractive effect of in-group identification. That is to say, activation of group identity increases a sense of inclusion and belongingness to in-group and serves as a substantial protective coping resource and a successful behavioral basis that buffers the negative effects of out-group rejection. In our present study we examined how frequent exposure to Israeli political violence influences adult Palestinian students' social identification and well-being. A self-reporting questionnaire was developed and distributed to 260 students at Palestinian Universities in the West Bank, under vehement political conditions and amidst stringent resistance to participation on the behalf of students. Preliminary analysis shows a positive correlation between frequency of exposure (FEPV) to Israeli political violence and psychological distress, likewise, a positive correlation between FEPV and social identification. Social identification has shown to actually mediate the relationship between FEPV and well-being, however, not significantly. Thus, coping functions of group identity may have been depleted in the case of Palestinians, a phenomenon worth further scrutiny.

Biography:

Dr. Ajmal Kazmi persuade his MBBS and have degree on DTM&H, DPM RCP&S MRCPSYCH he is also Director and Consultant Psychiatrist Karwan-e-Hayat, Psychiatric Care & Rehabilitation Karachi Pakistan.

Abstract:

Psychiatric Rehabilitation, enable individuals to compensate for or eliminate the functional deficits, interpersonal barriers and environmental barriers created by the disability, and to restore ability for independent living, socialization and effective life management. Creating new program or strategy is an art. Psychiatric rehabilitation is a combination of both; rehabilitation process through consumer choices (involvement) and assessment of readiness through the need for change. Core element of Psychiatric Rehabilitation include commitment for change, environment awareness, self awareness and closeness to practitioner. Rehabilitation Diagnosis is based on overall rehabilitation goals. Functional assessment include areas that need to be worked on and assessment of clients strengths and weakness. Resources assessment includes availability of the resources. This presentation describes the collaboration between a comprehensive community mental health facility in Karachi, Pakistan, Karwan-e-Hayat, and the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, U.S. This training was fostered and supported by a voluntary U.S. based organization, Carvan of Life. In the Fall of 2008 faculty from the Department provided on-site consultation and training to selected Karwan-e-Hayat_staff members and other invited professionals. The 17 week process was carried out via WebCT (an internet distance learning platform), SKYPE, and e-mail. Prior to this training Professor Smith visited Karwan-e-Hayat to meet staff, interview prospective trainee and learn about the facility. The consultation and training process continues with the eventual introduction of modified evidenced based practices into existing day programming and inpatient services. This presentation describes (1) the technical aspects of the process including Web based learning and SKYPE, (2) the assessment of service needs through their visit and the on-going consultation and training (3) differences and similarities between U.S. evidence-based practices and services at Karwan-e-Hayat, (4) the process from the perspective of Karwan-e-Hayat, (5) plans for implementations of evidence-based practices particularly Illness Management and Recovery, Family Psycho-education, and Case Management training. Discussion of the Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) group includes questions of appropriate fidelity measures, facilitator training and supervision and methods of on-going evaluation of the process (6) Training of the trainer program through Web based and SKYPE and to develop a Psychiatric Rehabilitation training center in Karachi Pakistan (7) Impact of training on the practitioners and (8) views of clients and their families about the benefits of the program.

Biography:

Afsaneh Nikjooy is assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy, in Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. She is a member of International Continence Society (I.C.S) and Iranian Continence society (Ir.C.S). She has worked in pelvic floor physiotherapy for more than 12 years. She has managed several courses of pelvic floor physiotherapy for master students of this field in faculty of rehabilitation, Iran University of medical sciences.

Abstract:

Dyssyneric Defecation (DD), one of the most common functional defecation disorders, has been recognized as a major cause of chronic functional constipation. The etiology of DD is unclear, this abnormal muscle activity may be due to; Brain–bowel axis dysfunction, an acquired behavioral defecation disorder, the coordinated mechanisms of defecation may have never been learnt during childhood, and may be a result of sexual or physical or emotional abuse. Patients with DD, exhibit significant psychological distress and impaired health-related QOL. It is necessary to understand the neurophysiologic indices of this dysfunction to make a proper clinical decision for achieving a better treatment plan to improved the patient s’ QOL. This study can be the foundation of the next researches to provide the new method for investigating neural rehabilitation and better understanding the mechanisms of improving motor functions and also be a good background, for later studies to compare the effects of intervention therapy (Biofeedback and cognition behavioral therapy). 20 constipated patients with DD and 9 healthy asymptomatic were included in the study. The participants were studied using fMRI to detect brain activity during voluntary contraction of puborectalis and external anal sphincter muscles, as well as during straining to defecation and rest. External sensory events, eliciting strong emotional reactions, can alter the function of the alimentary canal and lead to common disorders of gastrointestinal function and defecation. fMRI study findings showed active regions of the brain during the tasks .Also fMRI could reveal the differences between the patients and healthy controls.

Biography:

Dr. Diana Kljenak is an Assistant Professor and a Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Lead for the University of Toronto, Department of Psychiatry. She is a staff psychiatrist in the Community Mental Health Program at the University Health Network in Toronto and a consulting psychiatrist for the Central Toronto and Regent Park Community Health Centers. Her primary teaching and clinical interests include both collaborative care and psychotherapy. She is a Psychotherapy Coordinator at the UHN Centre for Mental Health as well as the CBT Psychotherapy Core Curriculum Block Coordinator and CBT seminar co-lead. She is a collaborative care supervisor and CBT supervisor at the UHN Centre for Mental Health.

Abstract:

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy used to effectively treat a number of mental health disorders. Traditionally, CBT has been thought of as a treatment modality that is technique-based and not as concerned with the therapeutic relationship as other forms of psychotherapy. In this workshop, a basic CBT model will be reviewed. Participants will learn how transference and countertransference can be understood through a CBT lens. Case examples will be used to illustrate how cognitive and behavioural techniques could be effectively used to recognize and manage countertransference. Participants will be able to practice these techniques in pairs. They will be able to reflect on the use of these techniques in their own practice regardless of their preferred psychotherapeutic modality.

Biography:

Ahmad Hussein Rateb Rayan has completed his PhD from the University of Jordan. He is a Lecturer specialized in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a Reviewer in 3 journals.

Abstract:

Background: Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating impact on the life of university students. Data about stigma toward mental illness and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) in Arab university students are rare. This study aims to examine the correlates of ATSPPH in Jordanian university students. Method: A cross sectional correlation design was used for this study. Using an online survey, a sample of 519 Jordanian university students completed measures of demographic and clinical variables, stigma toward mental illness and ATSPPH. Stigma toward mental illness was tested as a correlate of ATSPPH using a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Results: The results showed that Jordanian students have relatively less favorable ATSPPH than other study groups. Female gender, medically-related specialties, students with a previous history of receiving mental health counseling services and students who reported low scores on measures of stigma toward mental illness were more likely to have favorable ATSPPH. The stigma toward mental illness was the strongest correlate of ATSPPH in students and accounted for 13% additional variance above and beyond the 3% accounted for by all other independent variables. Conclusions: Combating stigma toward mental illness in Arab students is an important step toward promoting their ATSPPH. There is a crucial need to provide professional and culturally competent psychological care for this population in particular.

Biography:

Professor Anne Obondo is a Professor of Psychiatric Social work at Department of Psychiatry in University of Nairobi

Abstract:

The prevalence of mental illnesses among special needs offenders in the criminal justice system in Kenya is high but are unrecognized and hence not treated or addressed by the criminal justice system when sentencing the special needs offenders. International Institute on Special Needs Offenders (IISNO) (2004), in a survey on mentally ill offenders in Kenya, found that mentally ill offenders are not given due attention and that multi agency intervention was lacking. Other challenges noted included lack of documentation, inefficient referral system and capacity of agencies to handle special needs offenders. The objective of this paper therefore is to review the existing mental health programmes for rehabilitation of special needs offenders in Kenya during and after incarceration by performing a systematic search of electronic databases and paper records available in the criminal justice system. This will give a clear picture of the situation resulting in recommendations of evidence – based intervention programmes for special needs offenders in the criminal justice system to avoid reoffending. More attention by various stake holders and an evaluation of the interventions is also needed.

Biography:

Dr. Waganesh Zeleke is an assistant professor of Mental Helath Counseling in the Department of Cousneling, Psychology and Special Needs Education at Duquesne University, located in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Zeleke is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and has been a practicing clinician in the area of autism, immigrant mental health, children at risk, international adoption, parenting, and child and family development both in Ethiopia, Africa and USA. She is primarily specialize in working with children, parents, and families. Her research interest involves Autism in Africa, Parenting (specially on multicultural parenting), migration and mental health, and international adoption.

Abstract:

Mental health and psychosocial distress are frequent among people who have faced adversity, such as exposure to abuse, exploitation, loss, displacement, and human trafficking. Returned Migrants are the most vulunurable population for such adversities, especially whenthey work in under-regulated sectors such as domestic work entered trhough illegal migration. Addressing the mental health issues of returnees has to be a cross-cutting activitiy of any migrantion-crisis intervention. However, Knowledge about the frequencey, severyity, and risk factors as they affect migrants’ mental helath in Ethiopian is limited at best. Hence, this study aimed to examine the mental helath and somatic distress among migrant returnee population in Ethiopia. In a sample of 1,035 returnee migrnats, data were collected on the mental distress based on SRQ-20 and somatic distress based on PHQ-15. A descriptive stastics correlation, t-test and factorial MANAOVA analysis were run to determin the distress status and the relationship between different variables. Using a cut of point8, 26.08% of the sample was considered to be a probable case (n=270), with females endorsing more items than males. Twent-thrity percent (11.7% Mild,; 8.2% Moderate; and 3% sever) of the particapnts reported somatic manifestation of psychological distress. A signfciant relationship is found between particpants’ mental helath distress and somatic psycholgical distress. Religious affilation and ethnicity are found to be associated with menal health distress, while gender and education are found to be signficantly assoicated wiht somatic psycholgical distress. Recommondation and future dierection are forwarded based on the results of the study.

Biography:

Abhishek Kumar is presently working as Senior Psychiatrist at Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.

Abstract:

Electroconvulsive therapy has been used extensively for many years for the treatment of depression and catatonia but is rarely used in the treatment of schizophrenia. In this case study, we try to understand the effect of electroconvulsive in treatment resistant schizophrenia. A 63 year old Chinese male with over 40 years of history of schizophrenia and maintaining well on medications presented with acute change in behavior; patient stated to behave in a bizarre way like eating metal screws, tissue papers, coins, books and also started drinking his own urine. Organic workup was done and was negative. The patient was started on adequate dose of combination of two antipsychotic (Olanzapine and Asenapine) but showed no response and continued with his disorganized behavior. As patient did not show any response to the medications, he was tried on Electroconvulsive therapy. He was given 12 sessions of ECT and after the fourth session, improvement was noticed and after 12 sessions, the patient was in complete remissions. Although limited study has been done about the role of ECT in treatment of schizophrenia but in the case, it has been observed that ECT can be very effective in schizophrenia not responding to antipsychotics.

Biography:

Aditya Soni has completed his Post graduation in MD Psychiatry from Gujarat University, India. He is currently working at Rajasthan as a Senior Resident in a premier Neuroscience and De-addiction Centre.

Abstract:

Background & Rationale: Medical professionals' attitude towards homosexuals affects health care offered to such patients with a different sexual orientation. There is absence of literature that explores the attitudes of Indian medical students or physicians towards homosexuality. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate Indian medical students and interns' knowledge about homosexuality and attitude towards homosexuals. Materials & Methods: After IEC approval and written informed consent, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a purposive sample of undergraduate medical students and interns studying in one Indian medical college. The response rate was 80.5%. Only completely and validly filled responses (N=244) were analyzed. The participants filled the Sex Education and Knowledge about Homosexuality Questionnaire (SEKHQ) and the Attitudes towards Homosexuals Questionnaire (AHQ). SEKHQ consisted of 32 statements with response chosen from 'true', 'false' or 'don't know'. AHQ consisted of 20 statements scorable on a 5 points Likert scale. Multiple linear regressions were used to find the predictors of knowledge and attitude. Results: Medical students and interns had inadequate knowledge about homosexuality, although they endorsed a neutral stance insofar as their attitude towards homosexuals is concerned. Females had more positive attitudes towards homosexuals. Knowledge emerged as the most significant predictor of attitude; those having higher knowledge had more positive attitudes. Conclusion: Enhancing knowledge of medical students by incorporation of homosexuality related health issues in the curriculum could help reduce prejudice towards the sexual minority and thus impact their future clinical practice.

Biography:

Denisas Dankinas is currently a PhD student of Neurobiology and Biophysics at Vilnius University, Lithuania. He has participated in 4 scientific conferences and published in 3 proceedings. He has submitted 3 papers and are under review in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Imitation is highly important sort of social behavior that helps us to learn actions and understand the intentions of others. Studies in this field became very popular particularly after the discovery of mirror neurons, which are related to the imitative process. However, in some cases, imitation became a morbid process; a person loses the control of imitation. Such inappropriate copying of other person’s actions is one of deficits in schizophrenia disorder. Nevertheless, directly observable pathological imitation is detected only in rare cases of this disease. Therefore, our goal was to study a latent improper imitative tendency in schizophrenia patients. In our study, 14 schizophrenia patients and 15 healthy subjects were employed in a two-condition experiment: (1) In imitative condition subjects had to copy the hand action seen on the screen; (2) In non-imitative condition they had to make a different movement (this employs a suppression of imitative action that is impaired in case of pathological imitative tendency). Imitative tendency was assessed by interference score; a difference in response time and accuracy between non-imitative and imitative conditions. Additionally, we have assessed the response preparation in both groups. Our results revealed that schizophrenia patients were able to make appropriate preparation for not only imitative, but also non-imitative responses. Nevertheless, we obtained the presence of pathological imitative tendencies in schizophrenia patients. This group had reliably higher interference score. Therefore, our findings can help in diagnostic purposes in the detection of mild pathological imitation that cannot be revealed by direct observation in schizophrenia patients.

Biography:

Joseph Mansfield is currently a Medical student at the Uniformed Services University. He has worked for over 12 years in the Armed Forces in multiple deployed settings. He is currently an Associate Investigator on the first neuromarker database for insomnia patients.

Abstract:

Introduction: Poor sleep quality and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been shown to be positively associated. However, such findings extend mostly to the outpatient population; the inpatient psychiatric population has largely been understudied. This study investigated the relationship between PTSD and sleep disturbances in a sample of military members presenting for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Methods: A de-identified database with demographic and psychometric information from psychiatric inpatients was used to investigate a relationship between the PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C) and the DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure question 14 for report of problems with sleep. The subjects were adults aged 18 to 50, active duty U.S. military members. Inclusion criteria for the database required admission to the San Antonio Military Medical Center inpatient psychiatric ward and an ability to fill out screening psychometrics. Results: Psychometric and demographic data of 309 patients over a span of 9 months revealed a mean PCL-C score of 39.56. The prevalence of sleep disturbances was 72.17%. Participants with higher PCL-C scores demonstrated a statistically greater prevalence of sleep symptoms (p<0.05). Conclusion: PTSD symptoms are positively associated with sleep disturbances in an inpatient psychiatric active duty population. Findings suggest a need to better understand the interaction between sleep disturbances and PTSD to elucidate potential shared biological underpinnings.

Biography:

Dr. Lalanthica Yogendran has completed her MD, MPH at the St. George’s University SOM with a clinical research fellowship in psyco-oncology from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and is currently in her residency. Her recent publications include health disparities, psychiatry and oncology.

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to determine which factors are associated with psychiatric emergency department (ED) visits and admissions in pediatric patients. 600 charts of pediatric patients, seen in the psychiatric ED from January through December 2014, were reviewed. Sociodemographics, diagnoses, ED visits, and inpatient admissions was collected. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and independent t-test analyses were utilized in analyses. Patients from two biological parent households had significantly fewer ED visits (1.2 vs. 1.7, p < 0.01) and admissions (0.09 vs. 0.26, p < 0.01). Patients who reported sexual, physical or emotional abuse had a significantly greater number of ED visits (2.1 vs. 1.5, p < 0.01) and admissions (0.61 vs. 0.14, p < 0.01), as did thosethat were sexually active, had legal issues, or substance abuse with marijuana (0.43 vs. 0.17, p < 0.01), (0.54 vs. .18, p < 0.01) and (0.46 vs. 0.18, p < 0.01) respectively. Results show that dual parenting may create a safe and stable atmosphere for a child to develop healthy. Abuse is traumaticand can exacerbate existing psychiatric illness or initiate onset of new disease. While it is known that substance abuse and legal issues result in early induction to the criminal system, only marijuana correlated with higher incidence of psychiatric ED visits; other illicit substances, while reported, did not have similar correlation. This may speak to the psychotropic nature of tetrahydrocannabinols and their role in mental illness. This study demonstrates the psychosocial factors that lead to pediatric ED visits and admissions.

Biography:

Marina Gegelashvili is a Psychiatrist and an Associate Professor of Faculty of Art and Science in Ilia State University, Republic of Georgia. He is also the Head of Mental Health Department in Neuro-developmental Centre from 2014-2015 and a Fulbright Scholar in University of Miami, Florida.

Abstract:

In the present study we sought to clarify links between religious exclusivity, as form of intergroup favoritism, and indices of psychosocial functioning. (The study of in group favoritism has generally been invoked within Social Identity Theory and related perspectives). However, there is a lack of literature regarding religious exclusivity from the standpoint of social identity. In particular, the ways in which religious exclusivity is linked with other dimensions of religious belief and practice and with psychosocial functioning, (psychological well-being and self-esteem, aggression and rule breaking, depression and anxiety) among individuals from different religious backgrounds are not well understood. A sample of 8545 emerging-adult students from 30 US universities completed special measures. Measure of religious exclusivity was developed and validated for this group. The results suggest negative correlations between exclusivity, psychological well-being and self-esteem, also positive correlations between aggression and rule breaking, depression and anxiety. Exclusivity appears as predictor for impaired psychosocial functioning low self-esteem and low psychosocial well-being in for individuals from organized faiths, as well as for those identifying as agnostic, atheist or spiritual/nonreligious. The necessity of creating similar national sensitive religious exclusivity measure for Georgian population and study of religion exclusivity is being discussed. These findings are discussed in terms of Social Identity Theory and Terror Management Theory (TMT).

Biography:

Maryam Masood is currently working as a Professor at Atta-ur-Rahman School in Department of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan.

Abstract:

Background: Memory and learning impairment in neurodegenerative disorders has been attributed to underlying perturbation in cholinergic system. Turmeric, a potent anti-inflammatory compound, like donepezil, has shown to have sound effect on cholinergic system improving memory and learning. Aim: In the current study, we intended to elucidate the effect of turmeric alone and in synergism with donepezil on scopolamine induced amnesic moue model. Methods: BALB/c mice were administrated scopolamine (1 mg/Kg/day) through sub cutaneous injections for a period of 26 days. On 11 day, Donepezil (4 mg/Kg/day) and Turmeric (20 mg/Kg/day) was given mixed in feed. Novel recognition test, fear contextual and fear conditioning test, a memory tests were performed to evaluate memory consolidation and acquisition. RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of M1, M3, and M5 receptors of cortex and amygdala. Results: Turmeric significantly (p<0.01) improved the expression of cholinergic muscarinic receptors M1 (0.67±0.06), M3 (1.23±0.30) and M5 (2.66±0.52) in turmeric treated group as compared to scopolamine-induced amnesia group (0.34±0.07, 0.49±0.03 and 1.53±0.14) respectively in cortex. The impairment in cortex dependent learning and memory was inverted in scopolamine-induced amnesia group as evident from improvement in fear conditioning (p<0.001), contextual (p<0.001) and fear extinction (p<0.001) in turmeric treated group as compared to scopolamine-induced amnesia group. Recognition memory was also improved (p<0.001) following turmeric administration as compared to scopolamine-induced amnesia, once again showing turmeric’s positive effect. Conclusion: Therefore in the light of these findings turmeric may serve as a potential candidate in improving cognitive functions. It can also act as a therapeutic option for neurodegenerative disorders.

Biography:

Mehdi Dehestani is currently a Assitant Professor in Department of Psychology at Payam-e-Noor University located in Iran.

Abstract:

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the “impulsivity” and “social cognition” in patients with borderline personality and bipolar disorder. Method: In ex post facto study fifteen patients with borderline personality disorder & fifteen patients with bipolar disorder have been selected from among patients how seeking treatment in psychiatric centers was. Also healthy group (fifteen) has been matched with them with regard to age, education in this research. Participants responded to Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and Baron-Cohen Social Cognition Questionnaire (RMET). Result: The results showed that in all subgroups of the impulsivity variable (including disorganization, motion impulsivity, cognitive impulsivity and total impulsivity); the mean of patients with borderline personality disorder was significantly higher than patients with bipolar disorder and healthy people. On the other hand, in the social cognition variable, the mean of patients with borderline personality disorder was significantly lower than patients with bipolar disorder and healthy people. Conclusion: The results in terms of impulsivity patterns and social cognitive impulsivity patterns indicated more dysfunctions in patients with borderline personality disorder that should be considered by researchers and clinicians in studies and interventions.

Biography:

Ramandeep Kaur Romana has completed her graduation in Nursing from Malwa College of Nursing, India in year 2011. Subsequently, she had about one and half years of experience as Bedside Nurse. Currently, she is pursuing MSc in Clinical Research from University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health & Sciences, India. She has one publication entitled “Importance of clinical research training to Nurses’ for wider roles in clinical research: A study” and two research paper are in processing for publication.

Abstract:

Anxiety is a psychiatric disorder with unknown neurobiology however neurotransmitters like gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), nor epinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) play crucial roles in mediating the affective circuitry underlying the clinical disorders of anxiety. Present anti-anxiety drugs pose a lot of dependence risk to the patient. There is a great need to develop complementary therapies to fight this disorder. Hawan has been a common religious practice and has been recommended for mental peace and well being by our ancient scholars and physicians. Hawan is a scientific experiment in which special herbs (Hawan Samagri) are offered in the fire of medicinal woods ignited in a specially designed fire pit called agni-kunda. Aromatherapy has also been employed in ancient times for a number of mental disorders. Mahamrituanjay Mantra the part of veda enlightens that sughandhim (aroma, fragrance) puushtivardhanam (gives rise to good health), Om triambkum yajamahe, sughandhim puushtivardhanam, urvarukmev vandhanaat and mrityu mokshay mamritaat. Present analysis of the hypothesis is based on action of Hawan components on anxiety through integration of modern and ancient concepts. Analysis of literature demonstrates that the components of Hawan are having a number of volatile oils that are specifically useful for prevention and treatment of anxiety through one or the other mechanism of action. Due to high temperature of fire the vapors of these oils from herbs enter into the central nervous system through nasal route. As per modern science and ancient texts on medicine, nasal drug delivery systems are the best for the diseases related to brain and head. The routine of performing Hawan might keep the threshold value of the therapeutic components in the body and help in preventing anxiety. In the present manuscript authors highlight and integrate the modern and ancient concepts for treatment and prevention of anxiety through scientific evidences.

Biography:

Roman Koposov has completed his PhD from UiT-The Arctic University of Norway. He is an Associate Professor at the Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Welfare, North, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway. He has published more than 48 papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Background: Research has consistently reported that exposure to community violence is a risk factor for child and adolescent mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate potential differences in the relationship between community violence exposure and psychopathology among adolescents. Methods: Participants were 1361, 12-17 year old adolescents (M=16.4, SD=0.9) in three different groups, juvenile delinquents (N=344) and school students (N=1017, 35% boys) from Northwestern Russia. Results: Juvenile delinquents reported higher levels of both witnessing and victimization. As for differences in problem scores according to the degree of severity of violence exposure, direct victimization was associated with reporting significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, somatization, alcohol use, binge drinking and aggressive beliefs among all adolescents. The main effect for the degree of exposure to violence for the total group was significant with increasing problems scores by increasing exposure to community violence. The main effect for group was also significant demonstrating differences between variables of interest between the study groups. Considering that the differences by outcome, country and gender could have been masked by use of the MANCOVA analysis, each outcome was examined separately. The results obtained have been largely similar. Conclusions: Our findings that problems scores increased along with severity of violence exposure and generalizability of this pattern to all three groups expand previous research about a consistent relationship between community violence and psychopathology. Findings are of relevance both for identifying adolescents at risk for psychopathology as a result of exposure to community violence and for prevention.

Biography:

Dr. Saira Pasha completed her MD at American University of Antigua and will be starting her Psychiatry residency at the Univeristy of Conneticut this summer.

Abstract:

Introduction:A resident physician’s level of confidence in their respective field may guide in the residency training process. Previous studies evidence the correlation between self-efficacy levels, the belief in one’s ability to achieve academic or occupational requirements, and scholastic achievement.The study aim was to correlate residents’ self-esteem and self-efficacy with their year of training, field of study, and demographics in order to understand how the education process could be guided accordingly. Methods:Survey Monkey, an anonymous survey was sent to 128 residents at Richmond University Medical Center. It consisted of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), and demographic questions including native language, citizenship status, marital status, ethnicity, age, and sex. Results: Responses were received fromresidents in Internal Medicine (64),Psychiatry (24),Pediatrics (18), OB/GYN (16), and Radiology (6). The PGY4 residents reported higher self-esteem than Radiology, and self-efficacyscores than Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Maleshad higher GSE scores, andthe Asian population had the lowest RSE scores. Psychiatry residents reported to have the highest GSE and RSE Scores. Conclusions: It is shown that with more training, confidence of decision making and practice rises, assuring that residents are adequately prepared with each successive year. High risk specialties, defined as high rates of malpractice suits, and the training program quality, may explain the higher scores reported by Psychiatry residents. Demographic factors should be considered in developing educational curricula. Further research should be done to determine exam scores comparisons to self-efficacy.

Biography:

Dr. Samreen Ahmed has completed her MBBS at the age of 24 years from Dow Medical College, Pakistan, and currently volunteering as a Research Assistant at University of Illinois at chicago. Dr. Ahmed has written 3 case reports as a first author that were published in the IJBCP.

Abstract:

rTMS, a painless and non-invasive procedure, causes cerebral cortex stimulation by superficial neurons depolarization. Its designed to allow focused electrical stimulation with the help of hand-held magnet. Magnetic stimulators used in rTMS, have multiple capacitators that have the ability to generate rapid pulses as high as 60 Hz. Lower frequency causes inhibition, on contrary, excitation is associated with higher frequency. No pain is associated with TMS, whereas, percutaneous magnetic stimulation is painful. Initial uses comprised of locating hemisphere dominance, however, current research is exploring its potential for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. A literature review of various articles relevant to the role of TMS in depression intervention is performed on MEDLINE, PSYCH Info, and PUBMED. According to a research in Russia, 10 sessions of TMS augmented the antidepressant effects leading to improvement in depressive symptoms. In 2015, a cost evaluation research was conducted at a hospital in France, using TMS as an intervention for depression, which may point towards its widespread international use in future. In older population with treatment resistant depression, its beneficial to use a slightly higher dose of TMS. Interestingly, patients with neuropathic pain of chronic nature, can also benefit from TMS. In a pilot study, conducted at an outpatient setting in 2015 at Texas, revealed alleviating effects of bilateral rTMS in depressed patients with co-existing GAD. According to that pilot study, patients showed reduction in symptoms associated with both MDD and GAD. Other than depression, literature review revealed that rTMS also helped patients with Parkinson’s Disease in alleviating symptoms such as bradykinesia. TMS, approved by FDA in 2008, is recommended for 6 weeks for treatment resistant depression. Review of research done in the past, revealed beneficial effects of rTMS in depression, anxiety disorder, and Parkinson’s disease. Although, geriatric population require a higher dose as compared to young patients. We recommend rTMS application in treatment resistant depression. However, more research is required to further explore its clinical uses.

Biography:

Stelzer Eva-Maria is a Doctoral student in Psychology at University of Erlangen, Germany. She has received her BSc and MSc in Psychology from the University of Erlangen where she worked with PD Dr. Katharina Luttenberger on a pilot study which investigated the effects of a short-term bouldering psychotherapy program for treatment of depression. Her research interests fall into two main categories: Grief, loss and social stress with a particular emphasis on bereaved parents after adult child loss and Effects of climbing/bouldering therapy on mental health outcomes. She has published in international journals and is currently conducting research at the University of Arizona.

Abstract:

Background: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Alternative therapies, such as exercise, are on a rise to complement traditional care. A new mode of exercise which may be promising in alleviation of depressive symptoms is bouldering, a style of climbing without a rope in moderate heights. This present study aimed to find empirical support for the relationship between bouldering and depression. Method: The short-term bouldering psychotherapy took place in a group format once a week for three hours over the course of eight weeks. Using a control-waitlist-design, participants were assigned to the two groups and assessed at baseline and subsequently after 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Self-report measures included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL- 90-R) and the questionnaire on resources and self-management skills (FERUS). Additionally, the attention test d2-R was performed. In the trials presented here, a total of 47 participants completed the study. Results: Improvements after bouldering included lower depressive scores (BDI-II: d=0.77; SCL-90-R: d=0.62), reduced obsessive-compulsive behavior (d=0.73), enhanced self-efficacy (d=0.63) as well as improved coping skills (d=0.82) Depression scores dropped by up to 6.27 points on the BDI-II during the intervention. Group allocation evolved as only significant predictor of change in depression scores in a regression-analysis (p=0.007). NNT was four. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that short-term bouldering psychotherapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Larger studies, however, are required.

Biography:

Suraj Jaisinghani has obtained his BS in Computer Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology. He has worked as a Consultant for several years and then went on to Chicago Medical School.

Abstract:

Background: Repeated stress can trigger episodes of depression, along with symptoms of anhedonia and anxiety. Though often modeled separately, anxiogenic factors potently modulate hedonic or appetitive, behavior. While repeated stress can increase anxiety and decrease appetitive behavior, it is not clear whether repeated stress can influence interaction between anxiogenic factors and appetitive behavior. The purpose of this study was to test whether repeated stress increases the effect of anxiety on appetitive behavior. Methods & Materials: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were trained to lever press for sucrose pellet reward, an appetitive behavior. After performance criteria were reached for this behavior, rats were exposed to daily social defeat stress or control handling, once/day for five consecutive days. After 2 days or 2 weeks, rats were tested in behavioral assays for social withdrawal and anxiety to confirm the effectiveness of the daily social defeat model of stress. These data were compared between control and stress groups with a one-way ANOVA. After an additional 24 hours, rats were tested for appetitive lever pressing (fixed ratio 4 schedule) under dim light conditions or in the presence of anxiogenic bright light. These measures were compared between control and stress groups across age using a two-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Repeated social defeat stress reduced exploration in the open field (main effect of stress p=0.006, F(1.40)=8.5) and decreased social interaction (main effect of stress p=0.0004, F(1.40)=14.9), consistent with other models of stress. Repeated social defeat had minimal effect on baseline lever pressing for reward. However, stress-exposed rats were more sensitive to the anxiogenic light, as repeated stress substantially enhanced the effect of anxiogenic bright light on lever pressing. This effect was greater two days after the last stress exposure, and began to diminish within two weeks (stress x age interaction p=0.04, F(1.40)=4.4).

Biography:

Executive Sales

Abstract:

Exhibition

Biography:

Wala Maaitah is currently a Social Psychology PhD student at the University of Jena, Germany. She is interested in socio-psychological dynamics that define social groups involved in intractable conflicts. She is also interested in psychological trauma and its repercussions for politics and inter-group relations.

Abstract:

As the controversy of immigration compounds worldwide, scholastic curiosity exhibited by advocates of the psychology of the powerless continues to engross in minority groups’ experiences of devaluation and continued suffering in countries of refuge. Processes involved in the social and psychological recovery of the mostly Middle Eastern civil war absconders in Europe remain faraway from being completely understood. The rejection identification model proposed by Branscombe et al. (1999) coupled with supported evidence from integrated threat theory (Stephan et al., 1999) put forward that out-group rejection and stable discrimination damage minority group's well-being. Yet, in-group's positive self-esteem is preserved through the positive counteractive effect of in-group identification. Namely, activation of group identity increases inclusion and belongingness to in-group, and serves as a substantial protective coping resource and a successful behavioral basis that buffers the negative effects of out-group rejection (Ramos et al, 2011). In our present study we examined how perceived realistic threat, past and pervasive experiences of prejudice among Middle Eastern refugees in Germany impact their minority group identification, psychological wellbeing, and attitudes towards Germans. A self-reporting questionnaire was distributed to 230 Middle Eastern refugees at 22 refugee camps in Germany. Preliminary analysis shows significant correlations between variables, such as, experiences of discrimination and psychological distress r= 0.412, p=000, likewise, a positive correlation between perceived realistic threat and hostility towards Germans r=0.255, p=000. Our results speak for social and psychological needs of civil war absconders and refugees, as their crisis ranks first on list of current issues of public opinion.

Biography:

Afsaneh Nikjooy is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy in Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. She is a Member of International Continence Society (ICS) and Iranian Continence society (IrCS). She has worked in pelvic floor physiotherapy for more than 12 years. She has managed several courses of pelvic floor physiotherapy for master’s students of this field in Faculty of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences.

Abstract:

Dyssynergic defecation (DD) is one of the most common functional defecation disorders and has been recognized as a major cause of chronic functional constipation. The etiology of DD is unclear; this abnormal muscle activity may be due to brain-bowel axis dysfunction, an acquired behavioral defecation disorder. The coordinated mechanisms of defecation may have never been learnt during childhood and may be a result of sexual or physical or emotional abuse. Patients with DD, exhibit significant psychological distress and impaired health-related QOL. It is necessary to understand the neurophysiologic indices of this dysfunction to make a proper clinical decision for achieving a better treatment plan to improve the patients’ QOL. This study can be the foundation of the next researches to provide the new method for investigating neural rehabilitation and better understanding of the mechanisms of improving motor functions and also be a good background, for later studies to compare the effects of intervention therapy (Biofeedback and cognition behavioral therapy). 20 constipated patients with DD and 9 healthy asymptomatic were included in the study. The participants were studied using fMRI to detect brain activity during voluntary contraction of puborectalis and external anal sphincter muscles, as well as during straining to defecation and rest. External sensory events, eliciting strong emotional reactions, can alter the function of the alimentary canal and lead to common disorders of gastrointestinal function and defecation. fMRI study findings showed active regions of the brain during the tasks. Also fMRI could reveal the differences between the patients and healthy controls.

Biography:

Diana Kljenak is an Assistant Professor and a Cognitive-Behavior Therapy Lead for the University of Toronto. She is a Staff Psychiatrist in the Community Mental Health Program at the University Health Network in Toronto and a Consulting Psychiatrist for the Central Toronto and Regent Park Community Health Centers. Her primary teaching and clinical interests include both collaborative care and psychotherapy. She is a Psychotherapy Coordinator at the UHN Centre for Mental Health as well as the CBT Psychotherapy Core Curriculum Block Coordinator and CBT seminar Co-lead. She is a collaborative care Supervisor and CBT Supervisor at the UHN Centre for Mental Health. She is the President of the Ontario Psychiatric Association and a Co-chair of the Ontario Coalition of Psychiatrists. She is active in the Canadian Psychiatric Association as a Member of its Membership Affairs Committee. She was formerly a Co-chair of the Collaborative Mental Health Working Group at the University of Toronto. She has also been invited as a Visiting Professor to University of Tampere and Southern Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Centre, Helsinki, Finland. She is the 2012 recipient of the Ivan L Silver Award for Excellence in Continuing Mental Health Education, University of Toronto.

Abstract:

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy used to effectively treat a number of mental health disorders. Traditionally, CBT has been thought of as a treatment modality that is technique-based and not concerned with the therapeutic relationship than other forms of psychotherapy. In this workshop, a basic CBT model will be reviewed. Participants will learn how transference and counter transference can be understood through a CBT lens. Case examples will be used to illustrate how cognitive and behavioral techniques could be effectively used to recognize and manage counter transference. Participants will be able to practice these techniques in pairs. They will be able to reflect on the use of these techniques in their own practice regardless of their preferred psychotherapeutic modality.

Biography:

Adel Masaud Agina has completed his BSc in Computer Science, Tripoli University/Libya in 1991 and in 2003; he has obtained his MSc in Telematics Education from Twente University, the Netherlands. In 2005, he started another MSc in Communication Studies, PhD in Technical and Professional Communication at Twente University. In 2014, he started another PhD in Human-Media-Interaction from Twente University. He focuses on the effect of media on young Children's Behavioral Development (CBD). Currently, he is involved in multidisciplinary projects such as using AURA science and RFID (Radio Frequencies Identification) towards understanding the effect of media on children.

Abstract:

People are always looking for new ways to educate their children and believe that if children are having fun, they learn better. However, children's play is a sharpen double edge sword given that children do not only feel but also ‘taste’ the arousal especially when they use media. Despite the negative effect of playing violent games, violent arousal has positive effect on children’s development especially self-regulation and thinking aloud. Early Childhood Disorders (ECD), which is the outcome of the daily activities the children engage with has drastically affected by the media's daily use. Media may be negatively used to increase ECD even at schools as it may be positively used to decrease ECD even at home. This subject remains under significant challenge so far given the fact that ECD may increase or decrease children's self-regulation and thinking aloud, which are the main key elements that controls ECD. Towards better understanding on how can ECD be defined and treated, not only the interdisciplinary but also the multidisciplinary researches, through engaging different branches of sciences are highly needed nowadays. Remarkably, one of the most valuable researches that the literature still lacks so far is embedding the AURA science and the technology of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) towards studying ECD. This is besides the other sciences especially Cognitive and Metacognitive, Educational Psychology, Educational Technology, Human-Media-Interaction, Artificial Intelligent and so on are also embedded.

Biography:

Francis Itua is a high rank Psychiatrist at Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro in Nigeria. His research interests mainly include people and consequences related to patients with Anger, emotions and behavioral disorders. He has huge contributions in mental health treatments.

Abstract:

Introduction: “Violence is an expression of anger, fear or despair through an extreme and forceful delivery of actions and emotions, inflicting harmful or damaging effects. Violence could take the form of actual physical assault on a target, intense verbal or written threats and/or damage to property” (Steve Morgan, 2000). “Aggression/Violence may represent the lowest incidence of all the broad risk indicators, but it holds the potential to attract most attention through its ability to tap into personal and collective fear of assault” (Steve Morgan, 2000). Such fear certainly has a great deal of effect on staff’s performance and effectiveness and the need to keep accurate record of such behaviors that has the capacity to create enormous fear among clinicians cannot be over emphasized. Clinical violence risk assessment and management with the aid of structured instrument has become an integral part of mental health nursing practice. It is therefore needful to also keep an accurate record of clinical violent behavior with the aid of a structured format. Before now, nurses and other members of the health team gave verbal reports of violent attacks in the course of their practice. And it has never been easy getting accurate figures out of these reports. Hence, there is a pressing need to give scientific approach to whatever we do, especially in the management of violent behaviors and be able to substantiate reports of violence in our day to day practice with the aid of accurate figures (statistics). Since the introduction of Aro Clinical Risk Assessment Tool (ACRAT); a multi-risk assessment tool to the mainstream of clinical practice in NPH, Aro, the author have always seen the need to keep clear and accurate records of these risks (including violence) and the way they are managed. Hence, the creation of Violent Behavior Tracking Format (VBTF) by the author is a timely undertaken. This format is the result of experience, observations and extensive literature search. The need to understand clinical violence risk: The pattern, frequency, management methods and the efficacy of such methods underscore the importance of this format. The format covers the following aspects of clinical violence and management: Patient’s details, Nature of aggression/violence, Target of aggression/violence, Action(s) taken by staff, Results of action(s) taken, Appraisal of action taken, Date, time and shift incident occurred, Name and signature of duty staff, Name and signature of witness. This format was designed to allow for easy statistical analysis of clinical violence behavior. And it is hoped that quality statistical reports of violent behaviors from patients will be generated with it. This will further help employers to make informed decisions in the following areas (not exhaustive): Nature of update courses for staff, Methods of reducing staff injury due to patient’s violence, Staff welfare and motivation, Staff insurance, increased hazard allowances, and Creating and empowering crisis intervention team. Developing protocol to reduce patients’ self-harm to barest minimum. If employees ask for any of the above and have them supported with figures (statistics), it will be more likely to receive the blessing of employers than when such demands and are made without viable figures. General uses of VBTF: Generally, this format is multi-purpose in nature. It could be used for the followings: Record keeping, Developing statistics (figures) on violent behaviors, Research purposes, Quantification of employee’s (nurses’) duty. The introduction of VBTF has not come to eliminate the traditional incidence reporting method but to complement it, even as the new format is much easier to process with statistical tools. The way we have reported incidences over the years, hardly allowed for scientific processing of such information. VBTF have been developed to help us generate scientific figures in reporting clinical violent behaviors. The nursing department of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, will however, allow any institution or individual to use the format once the following conditions are met: That formal permission is requested from the department, That commitment is given by the institution/individual not to alter any part of the format and That a softcopy of the format is obtained from the department. All these could be arranged through electronic mails. Conclusion: It is hoped that the use of this format will bring a new spirit into the way and manner we manage and record clinical violence behavior. Also, I am looking forward to a time when staff and students will develop interest in researching into clinical violence behavior with aid of this format and other related ones.

Biography:

Lazarus Kajawu has completed his MSc in Clinical Psychology at UZ in year 1998; BSc Hons Psychology at UZ in 1995 and BA Psychology & Economics at UNISA in 1994. His research interests include community mental health. He has various publications on depression and common mental disorders, Psychologist’s role and Torture & post traumatic disorders.

Abstract:

Objectives: To explore why some people in Zimbabwe use traditional medicine for the treatment of mental disorders. Materials & Methods: Forty-eight consenting participants were drawn from a community to the north-east of Harare. We conducted 30 interviews with patients from healing sites using convenience sampling and three focus-group discussions with 18 participants from the community recruited through three food distribution depots in the settlement. Setting: Traditional healing sites and community halls in a community to the north-east of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Study design: Non-experimental exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured key-informant one-on-one and focus-group interviews was used. Study was carried out by examining records of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers’ Association (ZINATHA) to determine the names of all of the TMPs in Epworth and recruited those we could find into the study with the assistance of local community health workers. As a result, our sample provides nearly exhaustive coverage of the TMPs in Epworth. After locating the TMP, we requested permission from TMPs to let us recruit patient participants at matare (traditional healing shrines). To recruit eligible patients, we used a convenience sampling strategy as patients were leaving the healing shrine. Community members were recruited at food distribution depots (depots that distribute food parcels to the needy), again using a convenience sampling strategy as they were leaving the depot. Investigators explained the study objectives, procedures and obtained informed consent from the participants. Participants were excluded from the study if they did not speak the Shona language and if they were minors (under 18 years of age) or had severe cognitive impairment. Recruitment continued until theoretical saturation had been reached, the point at which no new concepts emerged from subsequent interviews. The study was approved by University of Zimbabwe and Parirenyatwa Joint Research Ethics Committee (JREC) and the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ). Approval was also obtained from Kunaka District Hospital in Epworth and from Zimbabwe Traditional Medical Practitioners Council before the start of the study. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, including permission to audio-record the interviews. Interventions & Outcome Measures Used: Parameters assessed for included participant demographics such as age and gender, the patient’s views about traditional healing practices, what caused their illness, the treatment strategies used and the changes in health as a result of treatment. Focus group discussions focused on community’s views on African traditional medicine practices, perceptions of the causes of illness and the reasons for using African traditional medicine rather than conventional psychotherapy. Results: The main reason why patients use ATM was treatment specificity: They viewed mental illness as having a supernatural cause that could only be fixed by ATM. ATM provided holistic care was cheap and patients were avoiding problems they perceived as inherent in biomedical approaches. Discussion: To address the global burden of mental health issues in low-income countries, the World Health Organization has called for the optimization of all available resources to bolster the delivery of mental health treatment in primary care. Efforts should be made to incorporate helpful aspects of TM into biomedical treatment and improve reciprocity between biomedical and TM practitioners to improve on health-service utilization.

Biography:

Ajmal Kazmi was graduated from Dow Medical College in 1981. He has worked as Officer In-Charge of Health System Research Project Karachi, Pakistan Medical Research Council in collaboration with ‘WHO ‘for 5 years. During this period he has presented several research papers. He has completed his Post graduate training in Psychiatry from Royal College of Psychiatrist (London). He did Diploma in Psychological Medicine (Dublin) and Membership training from the Royal College of Psychiatrist (London). He has established KPT/Karwan-e-hayat Psychiatric Care & Rehabilitation Center Kemari Karachi in 2004. He has presented more than 25 research papers in both national and international conferences. He has arranged and/or participated in more than 100 conferences/seminar/workshops/awareness lectures.

Abstract:

Psychiatric Rehabilitation, enable individuals to compensate for or eliminate the functional deficits, interpersonal barriers and environmental barriers created by the disability and to restore ability for independent living, socialization and effective life management. Creating new program or strategy is an art. Psychiatric rehabilitation is a combination of both; rehabilitation process through consumer choices (involvement) and assessment of readiness through the need for change. Core element of Psychiatric Rehabilitation includes commitment for change, environment awareness, self awareness and closeness to practitioner. Rehabilitation Diagnosis is based on overall rehabilitation goals. Functional assessment includes areas that need to be worked on and assessment of clients’ strengths and weakness. Resources assessment includes availability of the resources. This presentation describes the collaboration between a comprehensive community mental health facility in Karachi, Pakistan, Karwan-e-Hayat and the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, USA. This training was fostered and supported by a voluntary U.S. based organization, Carvan of Life. In the fall of 2008 faculty from the Department provided on-site consultation and training to selected Karwan-e-Hayat staff members and other invited professionals. The 17 week process was carried out via WebCT (an internet distance learning platform), Skype and e-mail. Prior to this training Professor Smith visited Karwan-e-Hayat to meet staff, interview prospective trainee and learn about the facility. The consultation and training process continues with the eventual introduction of modified evidenced based practices into existing day programming and inpatient services. This presentation describes the technical aspects of the process including Web based learning and Skype, the assessment of service needs through their visit and the on-going consultation and training, differences and similarities between U.S. evidence-based practices and services at Karwan-e-Hayat, the process from the perspective of Karwan-e-Hayat, plans for implementations of evidence-based practices particularly Illness Management and Recovery, Family Psycho-education and Case Management training. Discussion of the Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) group includes questions of appropriate fidelity measures, facilitator training and supervision and methods of on-going evaluation of the process, training of the trainer program through Web based and Skype and to develop a Psychiatric Rehabilitation training center in Karachi Pakistan, impact of training on the practitioners and views of clients and their families about the benefits of the program.

Biography:

Eyinade Olusegun Adewale is presently working as associate professor in medical school in Nigeria undertaken by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

Abstract:

Introduction: Bipolar disorder, also known as manic – depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activities levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performances and even suicide but bipolar disorder can be treated and people will this illness can lead full and productive lives. Causes: Scientists are studying the possible causes of bipolar disorder. Most scientists agree that there is no single cause rather, many factors likely act together to produce the illness or increase risk. Diagnosis: Doctor diagnose bipolar disorder using guidelines from diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder (DSM) to be diagnosed will bipolar disorder, the symptoms must be a major change from your normal mood or behavior there are four basic types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I Disorder – defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, a depressive episode occurs well, typically lasting at least two (2) weeks. Bipolar II Disorder – defines by a pattern of depressive episodes, but no full blown manic or mixed episodes. Bipolar Disorder not otherwise specified (BP-NOS) diagnosed when symptoms of the illness exist but do not meet diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I or II. However, the symptoms are clearly out of the person’s normal range of behavior. Cyclothymic Disorder or cyclothymia – mild form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia have episodes of hypomania as well as mild depression for at least two (2) years. However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for any other types of bipolar disorders. Treatments: Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, but it can be treated effectively over the long-term proper treatment helps many people will bipolar disorder even those with the more severe forms of the illness-gain better control of their mood swings and related symptoms but because it is a lifelong illness, long-term, continuous treatment is needed to control symptoms. However, even with proper treatment, mood chapters can occur. Having another mental disorder in addition to bipolar disorder increased one’s chance for a relapse. Treatment is more effective if you work closely with a doctor and talk openly about your concerns and choices. An effective treatment plan usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication: Different types of medication can help control symptoms of bipolar disorder but not everyone respond to medication in the same way toy may need to try several different medications before finding ones that work best for you. Keeping a daily life chart that makes note of your daily mood symptoms, treatment sleep patterns and life events can help you and your doctor track and treat your illness most effectively. If your symptoms change or if side effects become intolerable, your doctor may switch or add medication. The types of medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizer, a typical antipsychotics and anti depressants.

Biography:

Mehdi Dehestani is currently a Professor of Psychology at the Department of Psychology in Payam-e-Noor University, Iran.

Abstract:

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dialectical behavioral group therapy (based on mindfulness distress tolerance, emotion regulation) on symptoms of borderline personality disorder among college students in Zanjan Province. Method: Two hundreds volunteer students across the Zanjan province Universities completed The MCMI-III. Finally, ten persons with symptom of borderline personality disorders were selected as an experimental group. The experimental group trained 10 sessions of the skills including fundamental pervasive consciousness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Result: The results of paired t-test showed that there is significant difference between the symptoms of borderline personality disorder before and after the treatment (t=10.2, p<0.01, d=4.43). The Cohen effect level (Cohen’s d=4.43) showed that the intervention had great influence. The results showed that there was a significant difference between emotional tolerance (t=9.704, p<0.01, d=3.367), distress tolerance (t=12.281, p<0.01, d=4.11) and fundamental pervasive consciousness (t=9.428, p<0.01, d=3.424) in patients with borderline personality disorder symptoms before and after the treatment. Conclusion: The results showed that the training of dialectical behavioral group therapy skills significantly decreased the symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

Biography:

Dr Fuaad Mohammed Freh has completed his MA at the age of 29 from Baghdad University-Iraq and his PhD from University of Plymouth-UK. He is curently head of the department of Psychology at University of Anbar-Iraq. He has published more than 15 papers in reputed journals. Dr Freh also published about 10 papers in Arabic journals and two books.

Abstract:

Since the beginning of war in April 2003, experiences with violence have become a chronic condition for many Iraqis. Those who suffer most are children, and they are, unfortunately often forgotten in this war. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of PTSD reactions and general mental health problems among Iraqi school-age children. A longitudinal study with 231 children (53.6% boys, 46.3% girls) aged 8 to 12 years who had experienced war conflict. Children completed the CPTS-RI, while the Rutter A2 and B2 scales were completed by parents to assess behavioral and developmental problems among their children. Results indicated that 79.6% (n=184) of the children met the criteria for current probable severe and moderate PTSD symptoms. Girls were more vulnerable with 55.9% developed severe PTSD symptoms. Results also showed that 63.6% (n= 147) of the children were rated above the cut-off on the Rutter A2 (parents) scales, and 44.5% (n=103) were above the cut-off on the Rutter B2 (teachers). Rates of children who reported moderate and severe PTSD symptoms and other mental health problems had significantly increased over time. The results stress that acute PTSD reactions and other behavioral problems tend to develop among children living in war zones in the absence of immediate clinical and psychological intervention. Cumulative previous experience of war trauma constitutes a risk factor for continuing PTSD symptoms.

Biography:

Ahmad Alipour presently working as Professor of psychology in Payame Noor University,Tehran.

Abstract:

The purpose of the current study was to examine the performance of children with and without ADHD in time reproduction tasks involving varying durations and modalities. Method: Fifteen ADHD children, diagnosed by a pediatric psychiatric with my diagnosis confirmation using ADHD rating scale and Conner’s parents rating scale, selected from a psychiatric clinic patients and 15 healthy controls selected from two private schools, completed time reproduction tasks in three modalities (auditory, visual, and a unique combined auditory/visual condition) and six durations (6 second, 12 seconds, 18 seconds, 24 seconds, 36 seconds, and 48 seconds).Results: Consistent with our predictions, we found main effects of group (participants with ADHD were significantly less accurate than those without ADHD) and duration (accuracy decreased as temporal duration increased. But main effects of modality (in which responses in the combined conditions should be more accurate than those in the auditory condition, which in turn should be more accurate than those in the visual condition) were not found. Furthermore, predicted interactions between group and duration (the discrepancy in performance between the two groups grew as temporal duration increased) were supported. But, interactions between group and modality (in which the modality effect should be greater for participants with ADHD) were not supported. A marginal, nonsignificant interaction between group, modality, and duration was also found.

Biography:

Shyamal Chakraborty is a part of Medical Graduate from RG Kar Medical College 1990, India

Abstract:

Introduction: Spiritual Practice has long been in vogue in different parts of the world. This study is an attempt to determine its impact on mental well being. Aims: To assess the effectiveness of Spirituality Practice on Mental Health of a Geriatric Population. Participant Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 65 yrs. - 75 yrs. 2. Gender - 30 Male & 30 Female. 3. Existence of an Informed Consent of each participant of the study. Intervention: Trained Spirituality practitioner was introduced who advocated daily Spirituality practices in the form of Yoga, Meditation and regular Prayers. Periodic Assessment was done at 0, 6 & 12 weeks from the date of commencement of the study. Result: The baseline WEMWBS score improved considerably after third assessment in about 70% of the participants which is quite significant because none of the participant had been regular follower of spirituality practices in their lives before present study. Statistically there was overall marginal increase in WEMWBS score among the female participants, male candidates over and above the increase in score although the significance of which is beyond the purview of the present study. Discussion: It is an well established fact that spiritual practice helps in mental well being. The present study reinforces this belief. Routine and regular spiritual practices, even if pursued at a later age in life, can have a demonstrable positive effect on mental well being. So it could be concluded with reasonable certainty that in a society stiffened with stress, spirituality should be a regular practice.

Biography:

Aleesa Kittrell is currently working towards her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. She is currently employed as an assistant professor of nursing in Iowa

Abstract:

Background Depression affects more than 6.5 million Americans age 65 or older. Nonpharmacological treatments including psychotherapy, cognitive stimulation, exercise, reminiscence, and music therapy may be effective in the treatment of depression. This paper discusses the methods and findings of a scoping study that sought to examine the evidence related to 22 nonpharmacological treatments for depression in elderly patients. Method A scoping study of the literature was performed using the framework created by Arksey and O’Malley. Search databases included CINAHL, ProQuest, Cochrane Libraries, Academic Search Premier, PyscINFO, PsycARTICLES, SocIndex, Ovid, PubMed, and Science Direct. A hand search of the literature and a search of professional organizations were also completed. Results A total of 1192 articles were found in the initial search. After an analysis of the articles and application of inclusion criteria, 158 articles were deemed appropriate for this study. Evidence found supports the use of cognitive therapy, life review, and problem-solving therapy as effective treatment modalities for depression in elderly clients. While exercise is represented by 34 percent of the evidence found, the results were mixed and inconclusive regarding its effectiveness. More evidence is needed to support the effectiveness of the other treatments including psychological and alternative therapies. Discussion Results of this study lend support to the use of nonpharmacological treatments of depression in elderly clients, specifically cognitive therapy, life review, and problem-solving therapy. However, gaps exist in the literature providing insight for recommendations for further research.

Biography:

James Varrell, MD is the founder and Medical Director of InSight Telepsychiatry and has been at the forefront of telepsychiatry across the United States. He continues to educate the medical community regarding the benefits of telepsychiatry through various presentations at organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association and the American Telemedicine Association. Dr. Varrell preformed the nation’s first involuntary psychiatric commitment via a televideo unit and still performs telepsychiatry evaluations and manages a staff of telepsychiatrists.

Abstract:

Telepsychiatry is a growing in popularity as more psychiatrists look to work from home, cut time traveling between multiple facilities and minimize the inconvenience of overnight calls. Clinical research shows telepsychiatry to be an effective and efficient tool for increasing access to care in a variety of settings. One model of telepsychiatry that is growing in popularity, but has received little attention to date is crisis telepsychiatry. By “beaming in” to hospital emergency departments, crisis telepsychiatrists are able to offer much-needed psychiatric expertise that can reduce the amount of time patients in crisis wait for proper care. This presentation will discuss the benefits and challenges of working as a crisis telepsychiatrist. It will compare positives of the field, such as work-life balance and practicing in a growing field to the potential negatives, such as working remotely and being licensed in multiple areas. It will emphasize the diversity of crisis telepsychiatry and the ability for US-certified providers from all over the world to have a remote career. Next, it will review the training, setup and practical considerations of beginning work as a crisis telepsychiatrist, including tips for collaborating with onsite clinicians and navigating the murky waters of collecting collateral, prescribing and more. Lastly, this presentation will look at several crisis telepsychiatry case studies and review how a practicing telepsychiatrist dealt with each unique patient encounter via televideo. This presentation will give crisis telepsychiatrist hopefuls a comprehensive perspective on all of the considerations necessary to delve into this booming form of care

Biography:

Marie-Louise H. Rasmussen is a skilled epidemiologist and research assistant at the Department of Epidemiology Research at Statens Serum Institut, Denmark. Marie-Louise has an M.Sc. in Public Heath from the University of Copenhagen, and is currently working to be enrolled at the university in a PhD program.

Abstract:

Objective: 5-15% of all women experience postpartum depression (PPD), which for many is their first psychiatric disorder. The trajectory is likely very different compared to women with previous psychiatric disorders. We therefore estimated the incidence of postpartum antidepressant treatment, duration of treatment, and rate of subsequent postpartum antidepressant treatment and other depressive episodes in a nation-wide cohort of women with no prior psychiatric history. Method: We constructed a nation-wide cohort of 332,393 primiparous mothers with first birth from 1996-2008 (a total of 570,838 births) and no prior psychiatric hospital contacts and/or use of antidepressants. These were followed from 1996-2009. Postpartum antidepressant treatment (AT) was defined as use of antidepressants and/or hospital contact for PPD within six months after child-birth. Results: We observed 2,985 (0.5%) postpartum episodes of AT. One year after first treatment episode 28.5% were still in treatment; after four years 5.9%. After adjusting for year of birth and mothers age, women with a postpartum medication AT after their first birth had a 28.4 times higher rate (95% CI=21.4-37.7), and women with PPD hospital contact after first birth had a 54 times higher rate (95% CI=32.9-88.4) of a recurrent postpartum episode after their second birth compared to women with no postpartum AT history. Conclusions: 0.5 percent of women with no prior psychiatric history received AT after childbirth. They were characterized by a relatively short treatment regime, but a notably high rate of later AT and recurrent episodes of postpartum AT.

Biography:

Dr. Eyinade Olusegun Adewale presently working as a professor at Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology as Faculty of Clinical Science Ogbomosho in Oyo State

Abstract:

Bipolar disorder, also know as manic – depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activities levels and the ability to carry out day – to - day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performances and even suicide but bipolar disorder can be treated and people will this illness can lead full and productive lives. CAUSES Scientist are studying . The possible causes of bipolar disorder. Most scientists agree that there is no single cause. rather, many factors likely act together to produce the illness or increase risk. DIAGNOSIS Doctor diagnose bipolar disorder using guidelines from diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder (DSM) to be diagnosed will bipolar disorder, the symptoms must be a major change from your normal mood or behavior there are four basic types of bipolar disorder. 1. Bipolar I Disorder – defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, a depressive episode occurs well, typically lasting at least two (2) weeks. 2. Bipolar II Disorder – defines by a pattern of depressive episodes, but no full blown manic or mixed episodes. 3. Bipolar Disorder not otherwise specified (BP-NOS) diagnosed when symptoms of the illness exist but do not meet diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I or II. However, the symptoms are clearly out of the person’s normal range of behavior. 4. Cyclothymic Disoder or cyclothymia – mild form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia have episodes of hypomania as well as mild depression for at least two (2) years. However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for any other types of bipolar disorders. TREATMENTS Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, but it can be treated effectively over the long-term proper treatment helps many people will bipolar disorder even those with the more severe forms of the illness-gain better control of their mood swings and related symptoms but because it is a lifelong illness, long-term, continuous treatment is needed to control symptoms. However, even with proper treatment, mood chapters can occur. Having another mental disorder in addition to bipolar disorder increased one’s chance for a relapse. Treatment is more effective if you work closely with a doctor and talk openly about your concerns and choices. An effective treatment plan usually include a combination of medication and psychotherapy. MEDICATION Different types of medication can help control symptoms of bipolar disorder but not everyone respond to medication in the same way toy may need to try several different medications before finding ones that work best for you Keeping a daily life chart that makes note of your daily mood symptoms, treatment sleep patterns and life events can help you and your doctor track and treat your illness most effectively. If your symptoms change or if side effects becomes intolerable, your doctor may switch or add medication. The types of medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizer, a typical antipsychotics and anti depressants.

Biography:

Wala Maaitah, a social psychology Ph.D student at the university of Jena, Germany. I am interested in sociopsychological dynamics that define social groups involved in intractable conflicts. I am also interested in psychological trauma and its repercussions for politics and inter-group relations.

Abstract:

The social and psychological processes involved in sustaining the well-being of social groups suffering the consequences of intractable conflicts are faraway from being completely understood. Intractable conflicts are principally arduous to resolve as they are anchored in intransigent and inflexible sociopsychological dynamics which define the mindset of social groups involved and debilitate their well-being simultaneously (Bar-Tal, 2007). The rejection identification model proposed by Branscombe et al.(1999) puts forward that out-group pervasive rejection and continued discrimination impairs in-group's well-being. Yet, in-group's positive self-esteem is preserved through the positive counteractive effect of in-group identification. That is to say, activation of group identity increases a sense of inclusion and belongingness to in-group, and serves as a substantial protective coping resource and a successful behavioral basis that buffers the negative effects of out-group rejection (Ramos et al, 2011). In our present study we examined how frequent exposure to Israeli political violence influences adult Palestinian students' social identification and well-being. A self-reporting questionnaire was developed and distributed to 260 students at Palestinian Universities in the West Bank, under vehement political conditions and amidst stringent resistance to participation on the behalf of students. Preliminary analysis shows a positive correlation between frequency of exposure (FEPV) to Israeli political violence and psychological distress, likewise, a positive correlation between FEPV and social identification. Social identification has shown to actually mediate the relationship between FEPV and well-being, however, not significantly. Thus, coping functions of group identity may have been depleted in the case of Palestinians, a phenomenon worth further scrutiny.

Biography:

Barbara Pajk has received her Masters Degree in Nursing from Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Slovenia. She has worked at University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana since 2006. She has performed her professional work at the whole spectrum of psychiatric fields, from clinical psychiatry (urgent psychiatry, gerontopsychiatry, community psychiatric treatment), alcohol and medication addiction. She is a lecturer at the Slovenian association for help with dementia – Spominčica, Alzheimer Slovenia. She has published articles and proceedings of lectures in the field of dementia and schizophrenia.

Abstract:

Despite the fact that adherence to antipsychotic medications is the cornerstone in the prevention of exacerbation and the relapse of the disease, more than half of patients with schizophrenia are non-adherent to prescribed medications. The purpose of this study was to examine what are the most common factors associated with antipsychotics non-adherence among patients with schizophrenia. Research Methodology: The study included 91 patients (18 to 65 years) with a diagnosis of ICD-10 (F20), hospitalized at the University Psychiatric Clinic in Ljubljana in various forms of treatment. Measures included socio-demographic characteristics, the substance abuse, the number of prescribed medications and daily doses, the knowledge of the prescribed antipsychotic medication, the causes for non-adherence using the Alberta Mental Health Survey questionnaire and attitudes towards drugs using the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10). Adherence was assessed subjectively. Results: 61.5% of patients were non-adherent to antipsychotic medication. There was a negative correlation between medication non-adherence and substance abuse (smoking p=0.013, alcohol p=0.030, drugs p=0.001), negative attitudes towards medication (p=0.012), knowledge of side effects (p=0.009), a higher number of daily doses of antipsychotic medication (p=0.001) and male gender (p=0.003). The most common cause for non-adherence identified was the patient’s belief that they can cure without antipsychotic medications (27.5%) followed by the patient’s subjective feeling that they feel better and therefore the medication would no longer be needed (22.0%), and side effects (16.0%), whereby difficulties with fatigue and weight gain predominated. Subjective feeling that the medication did not help (13.2%), forgetfulness (12.1%), and sexual dysfunction (7.7%) were also identified as a reason for non-adherence. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should intensely strive to promote adherence among patients with schizophrenia with an emphasis on an individual approach regarding the causes of non-adherence. Special attention should be paid to a vulnerable group of patients.

Biography:

Mehdi Dehestani is currently a Professor of Psychology at the Department of Psychology in Payam-e-Noor University, Iran

Abstract:

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dialectical behavioral group therapy (based on mindfulness distress tolerance, emotion regulation) on symptoms of borderline personality disorder among college students in Zanjan Province. Method: Two hundreds volunteer students across the Zanjan province Universities completed The MCMI-III. Finally, ten persons with symptom of borderline personality disorders were selected as an experimental group. The experimental group trained 10 sessions of the skills including fundamental pervasive consciousness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Result: The results of paired t-test showed that there is significant difference between the symptoms of borderline personality disorder before and after the treatment (t=10.2, p<0.01, d=4.43). The Cohen effect level (Cohen’s d=4.43) showed that the intervention had great influence. The results showed that there was a significant difference between emotional tolerance (t=9.704, p<0.01, d=3.367), distress tolerance (t=12.281, p<0.01, d=4.11) and fundamental pervasive consciousness (t=9.428, p<0.01, d=3.424) in patients with borderline personality disorder symptoms before and after the treatment. Conclusion: The results showed that the training of dialectical behavioral group therapy skills significantly decreased the symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

Biography:

Karen Perlmutter, LISW-CP completed her MSW in 2007 at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. She is an LISW-CP with ten years of experience in addiction treatment. She works full time at the Medical University of South Carolina in the Addiction Science Division and is the founder and facilitator of the FIRST program. In addition to her managing family services for the clinic, she also maintains active involvement in individual and group treatment of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) population and supervises masters level students in the field.

Abstract:

The Families in Recovery Skills Training (FIRST) program was founded in 2013 in the Addiction Science Division (ASD) at the MUSC outpatient clinic. FIRST came in response to the vast needs being expressed by our patient’s families for their own clinical resources. Many of them were seeking support and skills regarding enabling/co-dependency, difficulty with boundary setting, and chronic emotional/financial/physical crisis that they were experiencing as an impact of their loved one’s disease. Due to limited existing evidence-based curriculum for family addiction, the Families in Recovery Skills Training (FIRST) program was developed. The program consists of a 10-week training period for families with weekly group therapy, supplemented by individual/family therapy as needed. The program introduces practical skills to improve communication in the family, decrease unproductive dynamics surrounding addiction, address guilt and resentment, develop skills to set boundaries when necessary, and to provide families with accurate and valuable psychoeducation on the disease. We also offer an advanced therapy group for FIRST alumni who choose to continue developing and practicing their skills in a professional/clinical setting with a supportive peer group. Outcome data collection is underway, examining family changes in co-dependency, coping and impact. Data is also being collected toward increasing evidence that FIRST family participation frequently correlates with the addict/alcoholic seeking and/or remaining engaged in treatment. The presentation will include the curriculum overview, family recruitment/marketing/billing options. It will also address preliminary research findings on the programm, and discuss the introduction of the “family patient” as a target population for a clinic.

Biography:

Barriers in Healing: Confronting Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness, Sexual Assault and PTSD with Stories and Inclusion on Campus

Abstract:

In a 2011 NAMI study, that 64% of college dropouts were for mental health-related reasons, and that, of those, 50% never accessed any mental health programs or services. Stress, anxiety, can make us feel like we’re entirely alone in our struggles. College, especially, can be a breeding ground for stress – a turning point in our lives where we’re independent, perhaps for the first time. Doors become open to us that we never even knew existed. We realize we have the power to make choices, which can be equal parts empowering and frightening. About one-third of college students across the United States had problems functioning because of depression in the last 12 months; almost half said they had felt overwhelming anxiety in the last year, 20 percent said they had seriously considered suicide in their lifetime, and 5.8 percent said they had attempted suicide. Plagued with their own anxiety, as well as taking on the anxiety from their families many students appear more stressed than ever. The office hours of professors are packed with students asking for advice on how to handle situations outside of the class room or are looking for advice on what to do. Counseling centers are operating on waitlists and students are not learning how to self care properly. Students may feel uncomfortable reaching out to health and counseling services. Worse, students may be unaware that these resources exist. Students may feel that if they don't have a “diagnosis”, “mental illness” physical handicap or learning disability, there is no reason to seek out services, they are not “qualified” to seek out these services, or they fear being “labeled”. There can often be a communication gap or barrier between academia and a student struggling with anxiety, campus life transitions, and common adjustments needed for college. To address the deathly stigma surrounding mental illness, sexual assault and PTSD on college campuses, Gutless & Grateful is a program combining a dynamic, live autobiographical musical performance, a talkback on an empowered approach to mental health, how to develop a resiliency toolbox, how to cultivate hope, and how to thrive in college with a physical or mental health condition. See the program: https://www.amyoes.com/gutless/for-colleges/ I've been through my own ordeal of sexual abuse, 27 surgeries, coma, organ failure, six years unable to eat or drink, and the PTSD that comes from ten years of trauma. Being able to reach out for help and find support is what helps us realize we’re not alone. This inspired me to start trying to bridge the gap of communication between departments on campus – academia, career counseling, wellness resources, accessibility, and student groups. There can be a barrier between academia and a student struggling with anxiety, campus life transitions, and common adjustments needed for college. The resources on campus become compartmentalized and students who don’t necessarily feel they have an issue “significant” enough cheat themselves out of learning valuable life skills. Gutless & Grateful aims to introduce these resources on campus helpful sources that can build resilience on campus, while also destigmatizing mental illness and encouraging students to reach out, speak up and start the conversation. One of the most difficult issues for students is to not feel alienated or stigmatized when they feel they have a concern that needs to be addressed - or worse, the feeling that they don't need/deserve/want help. The solution lies in our ability to engage, educate and empower youth to act as “fluids” in the system – infiltrating the gaps that administration may not be able to access. Through our “detours” in our individual pathways, we create an intricate tapestry that makes up the fabric of who we are as a human race. Gutless & Grateful strives to shift an entire college ethos in the direction of inclusion – partly to give courage and a sense of belonging to people who are struggling with all kinds of mental health or physical challenges, but also to help build a campus that gives everyone the kind of awareness and generosity of spirit that makes that world a better place. Through integrating the Eight Divisions of Wellness, incorporating various learning styles, and molding a campus community ready for growth, students can learn, evolve and collectively thrive through shared experience.

Biography:

Stephanie Cacioppo has received her PhD in 2004 from the University Medical School of Geneva & University of Savoy and Postdoctoral studies from Dartmouth College and UC Santa Barbara. She is an Assistant Professor in the Biological Science Division and the Director of the High Performance Electrical Neuroimaging Laboratory at the University of Chicago. She has published more than 80 papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute. She has received several awards including the APS Fellowship (2014), the APS Rising Star nomination (2011), the Annual ESSM Award of Excellence (2011), the Tom Slick Award from the Mind Science Foundation (2010) and the Geneva University Maurice Chalumeau Award (2007).

Abstract:

The rapid growth of large-scale, high-spatial resolution neuroimaging technology has advanced our understanding of the neural underpinnings of various complex cognitive and social processes from the healthy and disordered brain. However, high-spatial resolution neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have been limited in terms of the temporal information they provide in studies of brain function. A key theoretical objective in neuroscience and medicine is not only to specify what brain areas are recruited during a behavioral task but also to specify when and in what specific combinations they are activated. By providing detailed information about the relationship between neuronal activity and the temporal resolution (millisecond by millisecond) of each component information processing operation required for behavioral performance, high-density EEG recordings and event-related potentials (ERPs) have provided a useful additional tool in investigations of brain function. Whereas fMRI analyses are performed in source space, EEG/ERP analyses are performed in sensor space with high-density sensor recordings producing more detailed information about changes in brain activity measured across time and sensor space. Over the years, some have argued that measuring peaks and troughs was sufficient to the temporal processing of the brain, while others argued persuasively that another approach such as a statistical decomposition of the evoked brain states was necessary. In the current talk, I present a new method for identifying non-periodic brain state dynamics for the brain micro segmentation and analysis of averaged high-density ERPs and new research on the chronoarchitecture of brain microstates in health and psychiatric disorders.

Biography:

Clare Henn-Haase has obtained her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, USA. She has worked in the field of trauma for over 15 years. Prior joining NUS, she was involved in clinical research and academia as well as clinical practice where she worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of California, USA and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs for over 10 years and then as Assistant Professor and Clinical Director of the PTSD Research Program at New York University Medical Center, USA for four years. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in USA and is certified in several types of trauma treatment including dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure for the treatment of PTSD. She is an active Member of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) and the American Psychological Association. Her research interests include randomized controlled treatment trials for PTSD using evidence based CBT treatment, epidemiological and neuropsychological studies of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, evidence based treatment trials using cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of PTSD and ASD, particularly with women survivors of interpersonal violence, veterans and police officers. She has over 26 peer reviewed publications.

Abstract:

This presentation reports on prevalence rates of DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD in a treatment seeking sample of women (n=162) enrolled in an NIMH-funded RCT. Analyses also compared discrepancies between CAPS and PCL ratings. PTSD prevalence and symptom endorsement were measured using clinician ratings (CAPS IV/V) and patient self-report (PCL-IV/V). Although the CAPS is the gold standard for measuring PTSD, the well validated PCL is often used as a comparable measure to screen for or diagnose PTSD. While the CAPS and PCL are highly correlated, there are often discrepancies in reported PTSD symptoms between these measures. In this study, of the patients with DSM-IV PTSD using the CAPS, 96.3% met criteria for DSM-5 and 87.7% met ICD-11 PTSD. Comparing rates of PTSD based on the PCL versus the CAPS, the rate of DSM-5 PTSD was lower on the PCL than the CAPS (78.4% vs. 96.3%) as was that for ICD-11 PTSD (71.0% vs. 87.7%). As expected, the rate of CAPS-based PTSD was lower in ICD-11 than DSM-5. However, there were notable discrepancies between the self-reported and clinician administered measures. Item endorsements indicated that patients self-reported more re-experiencing and fewer symptoms of avoidance of thoughts/feelings, negative emotions, detachment and restricted affect. Implications for measurement development will be discussed.

Biography:

In 1991, Adel completed his BSc in Computer Science, Tripoli University/Libya. In 2003, he obtained his MSc in Telematics Education (Twente University, The Netherlands). In 2005 he started another MSc in Communication Studies (Twente University, The Netherlands). In 2007, he moved to be a PhD candidate in Technical and Professional Communication (Twente University). In 2014, he started another PhD in Human-Media-Interaction (Twente University). Adel focuses on the effect of media on young Children's Behavioural Development (CBD). Currently, he involved in multidisciplinary projects such as using AURA science and RFID (Radio Frequencies Identification) towards understanding the effect of media on children.

Abstract:

People are always looking for new ways to educate their children and believe that if children are having fun, they learn better (Agina and Min, 2003). However, children's play is a sharpen double edge sword given that children do not only feel, but also ‘taste’ the arousal especially when they use media (Agina and Kommers 2008). Despite the negative effect of playing violent games, violent arousal has positive effect on children’s development especially self-regulation and thinking aloud (Agina and Robert, 2012). Early Childhood Disorders (ECD), which is the outcome of the daily activites the children enage with, has drastically affected by the media's daily use. Media may be negatively used to increase ECD even at schools as it may be positively used to decrease ECD even at home. This subject remains under significant challenge so far given the fact that ECD may increase or decrease children's self-regulation and thinking aloud, which are the main key elements that controls ECD. Towards better understanding on how can ECD be defined and treated, not only the interdisciplinary but also the mutlidisciplinary researches, through engaging different branches of sciences, are highly needed nowadays (e.g., Agina, 2014; Agina, Kommers & Heylen, 2015). Remrkably, one of the most valuable research that the literature still lacks so far is embedding the AURA science and the technology of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) towards studying ECD. This is besides the other sciences especially Cognitive and Metacognitive, Educational Psychology, Educational Technology, Human-Media-Interaction, Artificial Intelligent, and so on are also embedded.

Biography:

Tegegn Bogale have completed his B.pharm degree from Jimma University,Ethiopia and my Msc in Experimental pharmacology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia and now working in samara University as lecturer of pharmacology and I have greater affiliation for experimental researches.

Abstract:

Chewing fresh leaves of the khat plant (Catha edulis forsk) is a deep rooted and widespread habit in East Africa and the Middle East. Although a body of knowledge exists about the adverse effects of khat on health, data are sparse with regard to the consequences of long-term khat chewing in resulting schizophrenic like symptoms. A crude extract of khat at different doses (100 mg/kg (K (khat)100), 200 mg/kg (K200) and 400 mg/kg (K400)) were administered for experimental group of mice whereas standard (ketamine (KT) 10 mg/kg- positive controls (KT10 )) and vehicle (2% v/v Tween-80 in distilled water – negative control groups (CON)) were administered for control groups of mice daily for two months to evaluate subchronic oral administration of crude khat extract to induce schizophrenic-like symptoms in mice. Mice were subjected to a battery of behavioural tests and parameters like locomotor activity, total time spent in social interaction and level of cognition among different groups of mice were measured and analyzed. Khat at all doses significantly increased (p<0.001) the mean locomotor activity score of mice compared to CON. However, the mean locomotor activity score of mice treated with khat was significantly lower (p<0.001) compared to the mean locomotor activity score of KT10 mice (p<0.001). The mean total time score (in seconds) spent in social interaction, mean total time score (in seconds) spent in sniffing and following the partner was significantly higher (p<0.001) in CON groups of mice compared to khat and ketamine treated groups. Moreover, in spatial memory task, the mean latency score (in seconds) to find the platform of khat and ketamine treated mice was significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to CON

Biography:

Samar has completed her MD at the age of 23 years from Zagazug University. She is the general manager of Student Research Unit- Zagazig university (SRUZU), a student led research organization. She has published around 4 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a reviewer in editorialmanager.com.

Abstract:

Patients experiencing Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suffer from physical symptoms as sleeping difficulty, hormonal imbalance, and disturbance of the immune system. People with PTSD are more prone to age-related diseases and early mortality. Telomeres are regions at chromosomal ends that protect DNA from degradation. Significant shortening of Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been found in patients with PTSD. However, some studies showed no significant association between PTSD and LTL shortening. Hereby, we use a meta-analytic approach to synthesize evidence from published studies about the association between PTSD and LTL shortening. A computed literature search of PubMed was conducted using relevant keywords ((PTSD or psychological stress) and telomere). We selected observational studies comparing PTSD patients to non-PTSD subjects in terms of telomere length. We calculated the effect size (Cohen’s d) from regression coefficient, correlation coefficient, and mean telomere length. Data was pooled in the random effect mode of DerSimonian-Laird using a StatsDirect software. Seven studies with a total of 4456 subjects (n=547 with PTSD and n=3909 without PTSD) were included in the final analysis. The overall effect size was d=0.28 with 95% CI [-0.45 to -0.12]. Visual inspection of the forest plot revealed no significant heterogeneity. Our results showed a small but significant effect size suggesting that patients with PTSD have shorter telomere length than healthy controls. This result highlight that PTSD extends beyond physical symptoms to acceleration of cellular aging which might contribute to early mortality. Interventions to manage cellular aging in PTSD patients should be addressed in future research.

Biography:

Peter Norrie has held clinical management positions since 2002 and is currently the Chief Psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Services for Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol & Drug Services, ACT Health. In addition, he is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The Australian National University Medical School and is a jurisdictional Member of the Safety and Quality Partnership Standing Committee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. (This committee launched the National Mental Health Recovery Framework in 2013). He is an ACT and bi-national representative on a number of committees for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He has clinical and research interests in schizophrenia and psychopharmacology. He has also focused on support for international medical graduates and education and training for colleagues, registrars and general practitioners.

Abstract:

Injectable medications have often been viewed as a last resort or when definitive non-adherence is clearly apparent. Debates about treatment resistance or resistance to treatment can delay the pragmatic need to discuss injections as an option. The consideration of injectables early in the course of the illness ensures effective treatment and in many cases a paradoxical opportunity to engage the patient, bring back control of the situation, reduce symptoms and restore/improve cognition. This can then be seen as a positive response to managing a difficult illness instead of the step of failures in moving away from oral medications that have been ineffective for whatever reason. In this presentation, there will be an historical summary of schizophrenia treatments followed by the case for injectables. Case studies will illustrate the options for treatment at a number of illness stages.

Biography:

Soumya Sachdeva has completed her MBBS (Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery) from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. She is very passionate about medical research and has 7 publications in PubMed and 2 others in peer reviewed journals. She is also the Editor Board of Journal of Young Medical Researchers and is also the Ambassador for International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS). She was a Research Volunteer at Columbia University Medical Center, where she worked on substance

Abstract:

Introduction: In 2012, it was found that 5.2% of the world population in the age group of 15-64 years had used an illicit drug once in the previous year. The annual prevalence of opiate abuse in Asia is estimated to be at 0.35%. The majority of heroin consumption in Asia occurs in China, Pakistan, Iran and India. Objective: The purpose of this review is to provide evidence based clinical practice guidelines to prescribers and other health practitioners involved in the care of opioid dependent patients with a special reference to Naltrexone. Materials & Methods: Relevant literature was identified through a PubMed literature search for publications and a review was developed. Discussion: Buprenorphine was the earliest drug to be used successfully in India for the treatment of opiate dependence. Its use began as early as in 1993. The regimen of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment has been made available in drug treatment centers since last few years. Methadone has been launched recently as a multi-site study as a pilot project in India. However, there have been no studies on Naltrexone in the SEAR region yet. Several clinical trials from different countries hold evidence that use of Naltrexone has higher efficacy, minimal toxicity and minimal safety concerns. Data also suggest superior efficacy of long acting injectable Naltrexone compared to oral Naltrexone. Conclusion: The use of opioid antagonists for long term treatment of patients with opioid addiction is one of the newer emerging modalities of treatment. It is recommended that trials on both oral and injectable naltrexone should be started to see the efficacy in the SEAR region.

Biography:

Aditya Soni has completed his Post graduation in MD Psychiatry from Gujarat University, India. He is currently working at Rajasthan as a Senior Resident in a premier Neuroscience and Deaddiction Centre.

Abstract:

Background: Schizophrenia is outlined as a very early onset schizophrenia when the onset of psychotic symptoms before the age of 13 years. Childhood-onset schizophrenia is rare: Its prevalence is about 50 times lower than the one observed in adulthood. The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in patients with schizophrenia is relatively high. Antipsychotics have been found to influence OCS. Aim & Objective: The present paper reviews the current knowledge with an emphasis on the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment hindrance associated with the very early onset schizophrenia. Case: We report a case of schizophrenia in which risperidone was effective in the treatment of the psychotic symptoms but produced obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Conclusion: The diagnosis of VEOS requires a multidisciplinary approach, a detailed and careful differential diagnosis. The obsessive compulsive symptoms subsided with gradual reduction of risperidone dose

Biography:

Prof. Hesham A. El-Beshbishy has got his PhD in 2001 in the field of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Manchester University, UK. He works in the Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases- Taibah University- Madinah- Saudi Arabia. He also is a Prof. in faculty of Pharmacy- Alazhar University- Cairo- Egypt. In the past, he was the supervisor of the Medical Laboratories Technology Dept., faculty of Applied Medical Sciences- Taibah University- Saudi Arabia. He has published more than 48 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of several international journals

Abstract:

Mitochondria play role in depression pathogenesis through mitochondrial dynamin-related protein (Drp-1), fission 1 protein (Fis-1) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through tyrosine kinase B (Trk-B) receptor activation. The precise role of neurotrophins-mitochondrial interaction in depression is unclear. We aimed to study role of mitochondria in pathogenesis and treatment of depression using three different antidepressants. We established animal model of stress-induced depressive behavior named learned helplessness (LH) model. Rats with LH model were treated with fluoxetine FLX (20 mg/kg), imipramine IMP (20 mg/kg) or citalopram CTL (20 mg/kg), i.p. for 2 weeks. The order of decreasing number of LH rats was as follows: CTL>IMP>FLX. Mitochondrial enzymes of brain SDH, MDH, IDH, MAO and SOD enzymes, total antioxidant status, ATP production, BDNF, Drp-1, Trk-B and Fis-1 of depressed (DEP) rats elicited significant declines. Brain lipid peroxides was highly elevated in DEP rats. All these levels were back to normalcy after intake of antidepressants and the protein expression levels of BDNF, Drp-1, Trk-B (full length not truncated) and Fis-1 were enhanced either in prefrontal cortex (PFC) or hippocampus. Electron microscopy of DEP rats exhibited cristae disarrangement, mitochondria with dense matrix surrounded with degenerated cells, mitochondria with increased thickness and remarkably electron dense cristae in degenerated cells. Intake of FLX, CTL or IMP improved mitochondrial damage in brain as well as PFC and hippocampus. We concluded that, use of FLX, IMP and CTL improved depression induced in rats via antioxidant mechanism and through modulation of neurotrophins family in brain PFC and hippocampus.

Biography:

Lazarus Kajawu has completed his MSc in Clinical Psychology at UZ in year 1998; BSc Hons Psychology at UZ in 1995 and BA Psychology & Economics at UNISA in 1994. His research interests include community mental health. He has various publications on depression and common mental disorders, Psychologist’s role and Torture & post traumatic disorders

Abstract:

Objectives: To explore why some people in Zimbabwe use traditional medicine for the treatment of mental disorders. Materials & Methods: Forty-eight consenting participants were drawn from a community to the north-east of Harare. We conducted 30 interviews with patients from healing sites using convenience sampling and three focus-group discussions with 18 participants from the community recruited through three food distribution depots in the settlement. Setting: Traditional healing sites and community halls in a community to the north-east of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Study design: Non-experimental exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured key-informant one-on-one and focus-group interviews was used. Study was carried out by examining records of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers’ Association (ZINATHA) to determine the names of all of the TMPs in Epworth and recruited those we could find into the study with the assistance of local community health workers. As a result, our sample provides nearly exhaustive coverage of the TMPs in Epworth. After locating the TMP, we requested permission from TMPs to let us recruit patient participants at matare (traditional healing shrines). To recruit eligible patients, we used a convenience sampling strategy as patients were leaving the healing shrine. Community members were recruited at food distribution depots (depots that distribute food parcels to the needy), again using a convenience sampling strategy as they were leaving the depot. Investigators explained the study objectives, procedures and obtained informed consent from the participants. Participants were excluded from the study if they did not speak the Shona language and if they were minors (under 18 years of age) or had severe cognitive impairment. Recruitment continued until theoretical saturation had been reached, the point at which no new concepts emerged from subsequent interviews. The study was approved by University of Zimbabwe and Parirenyatwa Joint Research Ethics Committee (JREC) and the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ). Approval was also obtained from Kunaka District Hospital in Epworth and from Zimbabwe Traditional Medical Practitioners Council before the start of the study. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, including permission to audio-record the interviews. Interventions & Outcome Measures Used: Parameters assessed for included participant demographics such as age and gender, the patient’s views about traditional healing practices, what caused their illness, the treatment strategies used and the changes in health as a result of treatment. Focus group discussions focused on community’s views on African traditional medicine practices, perceptions of the causes of illness and the reasons for using African traditional medicine rather than conventional psychotherapy. Results: The main reason why patients use ATM was treatment specificity: They viewed mental illness as having a supernatural cause that could only be fixed by ATM. ATM provided holistic care was cheap and patients were avoiding problems they perceived as inherent in biomedical approaches. Discussion: To address the global burden of mental health issues in low-income countries, the World Health Organization has called for the optimization of all available resources to bolster the delivery of mental health treatment in primary care. Efforts should be made to incorporate helpful aspects of TM into biomedical treatment and improve reciprocity between biomedical and TM practitioners to improve on health-service utilization.

Biography:

Stephanie Cacioppo received her PhD in 2004 from the University Medical School of Geneva & University of Savoy, and postdoctoral studies from Dartmouth College and UC Santa Barbara. She is assistant professor in the Biological Science Division, and the director of the High performane electrical neuroimaging laboratory at the University of Chicago. She has published more than 80 papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. She received several awards, including the APS Fellowship (2014), the APS Rising Star nomination (2011), the Annual ESSM Award of Excellence (2011), the Tom Slick Award from the Mind Science Foundation (2010), and the Geneva University Maurice Chalumeau Award (2007).

Abstract:

The rapid growth of large-scale, high-spatial resolution neuroimaging technology has advanced our understanding of the neural underpinnings of various complex cognitive and social processes from the healthy and disordered brain. However, high-spatial resolution neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have been limited in terms of the temporal information they provide in studies of brain function. A key theoretical objective in neuroscience and medicine is not only to specify what brain areas are recruited during a behavioral task, but also to specify when and in what specific combinations they are activated. By providing detailed information about the relationship between neuronal activity and the temporal resolution (millisecond by millisecond) of each component information processing operation required for behavioral performance, high-density EEG recordings and event-related potentials (ERPs) have provided a useful additional tool in investigations of brain function. Whereas fMRI analyses are performed in source space, EEG/ERP analyses are performed in sensor space, with high-density sensor recordings producing more detailed information about changes in brain activity measured across time and sensor space. Over the years, some have argued that measuring peaks and troughs was sufficient to the temporal processing of the brain, while others argued persuasively that another approach, such as a statistical decomposition of the evoked brain states, was necessary. In the current talk, I present a new method for identifying non-periodic brain state dynamics for the brain microsegmentation and analysis of averaged high-density ERPs and new research on the chronoarchitecture of brain microstates in health and psychiatric disorders.

Biography:

Dr Sandhya Gupta , PhD and MSc-Psychiatric Nursing- from University of Delhi, India. She is the Senior Faculty of Department of Psychiatric Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi for past 27 years. He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of Indian Journal of Psychitric Nursing.

Abstract:

A study to find out the possibility of prevention of aggressive acting out behavior of patients admitted in Acute Psychiatric unit and correlate it with the initial therapeutic alliance with health care team members was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital at New Delhi. Hundred patients consecutively admitted to the psychiatric ward during six months, were assessed by two tools; Helping alliance questionnaire (HAQ-II) for quality of initial therapeutic alliance and Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) to record the violent incidents. Twenty six patients exhibited violence during their first week of hospital stay. In all 38 violent incidents were reported during 700 patient days and the rate of violent incidents was 5.3%. The mean therapeutic alliance score of patients who were violent (65.42 ± 24.10; n=26) was significantly lower than that of patients who were non-violent (82.88 ± 16.71; n=74) during hospital stay. The low quality of initial therapeutic alliance, and high risk of acting out violent behaviour of patients during the first week of hospitalization was found. The model resulting from the binary logistic regression revealed that the therapeutic alliance (OR=0.961, p=0.006) and preadmission violence (OR=10.8, p=0.001) were predictors of violent behaviour even when other variables were controlled. The findings stress the importance of a good therapeutic alliance which is a modifiable factor to prevent violent behaviour of the patient admitted in a psychiatric inpatient unit. Conclusion: If health care team members take utmost care to develop therapeutic alliance in the initial period itself the acting out behavior of patients can be prevented.

Biography:

Dr Clare Henn-Haase obtained her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Illinois, USA. She has worked in the field of trauma for over 15 years. Prior to taking a position at NUS, she was involved in clinical research and academia as well as clinical practice where she worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Francisco, USA and the San Francisco Veterans Affairs for over 10 years followed by accepting a position as Assistant Professor and Clinical Director of the PTSD Research Program at New York University Medical Center, New York, USA across four years. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in the USA and is certified in several types of trauma treatment including dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and prolonged exposure for the treatment of PTSD. She is an active member of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) and the American Psychological Association. Her research interests include randomized controlled treatment trials for PTSD using evidence based CBT treatment, epidemiological and neuropsychological studies of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, evidence based treatment trials using cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of PTSD and ASD, particularly with women survivors of interpersonal violence, veterans, and police officers. She has over 26 peer reviewed publications.

Abstract:

This presentation reports on prevalence rates of DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD in a treatment seeking sample of women (n=162) enrolled in an NIMH-funded RCT. Analyses also compared discrepancies between CAPS and PCL ratings. PTSD prevalence and symptom endorsement were measured using clinician ratings (CAPS IV/V) and patient self-report (PCL-IV/V). Although the CAPS is the gold standard for measuring PTSD, the well validated PCL is often used as a comparable measure to screen for or diagnose PTSD. While the CAPS and PCL are highly correlated, there are often discrepancies in reported PTSD symptoms between these measures. In this study, of the patients with DSM-IV PTSD using the CAPS, 96.3% met criteria for DSM-5 and 87.7% met ICD-11 PTSD. Comparing rates of PTSD based on the PCL versus the CAPS, the rate of DSM-5 PTSD was lower on the PCL than the CAPS (78.4% vs. 96.3%) as was that for ICD-11 PTSD (71.0% vs. 87.7%). As expected, the rate of CAPS-based PTSD was lower in ICD-11 than DSM-5. However, there were notable discrepancies between the self-reported and clinician administered measures. Item endorsements indicated that patients self-reported more re-experiencing and fewer symptoms of avoidance of thoughts/ feelings, negative emotions, detachment and restricted affect. Implications for measurement development will be discussed.

Biography:

Arthur P. Ciaramicoli, Ed.D., Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been treating clients for more than 35 years. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Massachusetts Psychological Association. Dr. Ciaramicoli is the Chief Medical Officer of Soundmindz.org and is also in private practice, Dr. Ciaramicoli has been on the faculty of Harvard Medical School for several years, lecturer for the American Cancer Society, Chief Psychologist at Metrowest Medical Center, and director of the Metrowest Counseling Center and of the Alternative Medicine division of Metrowest Wellness Center in Framingham, Massachusetts. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Ciaramicoli has lectured at Harvard Health Services, Boston College Counseling Center, the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore as well as being a consultant to several major corporations in the Boston area. Dr. Ciaramicoli has appeared on CNN, CNNfn, Fox News Boston, Comcast TV, New England Cable News, Good Morning America Weekend, The O’Reilly Report, and other shows. He has been a weekly radio guest on Your Healthy Family on Sirius Satellite Radio and Holistic Health Today, and has been interviewed on The People’s Pharmacy, The Gary Null Show, and more than two dozen other radio programs airing on NPR, XM Radio, and numerous AM and FM stations. Dr. Ciaramicoli is the author of The Curse of the Capable: The Hidden Challenges to a Balanced, Healthy, High Achieving Life (Wiley, 2010), Performance Addiction: The Dangerous New Syndrome and How to Stop It from Ruining Your Life (Wiley 2004) and The Power of Empathy: A Practical Guide to Creating Intimacy, Self-Understanding, and Lasting Love (Dutton 2000), which is now published in 7 languages. His first book, Treatment of Abuse and Addiction, A Holistic Approach (Jason Aronson, 1997) was selected as Book of the Month by The Psychotherapy Book News. He is also the coauthor of Beyond the Influence: Understanding and Defeating Alcoholism (Bantam 2000) and founder of The Empathy and Goodness Project on Facebook and Healthy Empathic Achievement on LinkedIn. He has also authored the Anti-Anxiety app, Anti-Depression App and workbooks Transforming Anxiety into Joy: A Practical Workbook to Gain Emotional Freedom (2012) and Changing Your Inner Voice: A Journey through Depression to Truth and Love (2012) in collaboration with Soundmindz.org.

Abstract:

Biography:

Peter has held clinical management positions since 2002 and currently is the Chief Psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Services for Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol & Drug Services, ACT Health. In addition, he is Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The Australian National University Medical School, and is also a jurisdictional member of the Safety and Quality Partnership Standing Committee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. (This committee launched the National Mental Health Recovery Framework in 2013). He is also an ACT and bi-national representative on a number of committees for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He has clinical and research interests in schizophrenia and psychopharmacology. Peter has also focussed on support for international medical graduates, and education and training for colleagues, registrars and general practitioners.

Abstract:

Recovery orientated mental health services have been a priority for consumers and carers in many countries. In Australia the consumer/carer voice was represented strongly at a National Safety and quality committee, and a commitment made to developing a National Mental Health Recovery Framework. This presentation explores the concept of Recovery, and the collaborative efforts in planning, producing and releasing the National Framework. There is then reflection on the impact in a mental health service, and the challenge of policy versus practice are highlighted. There is still much to be done, but Recovery can be an exciting journey!

Biography:

Dr. Joe A. Varghese completed his basic medical education and M. D. in Psychiatry from Bangalore University. He went on to complete his Diploma in Clinical Psychiatry from Leeds University and his Fellowship from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry. He is the Director of Freudian Couch Specialist Clinic that caters to discerning clients requiring discreet and confidential management of their mental health needs.

Abstract:

Our vast combination of holistic treatments on offer is successfully used to treat drug and alcohol related disorders, anxiety spectrum disorders, depression, grief, trauma, eating disorders and chronic pain, with an individually developed one-on-one program. With access to Australia’s most beautiful beaches and the serene hinterland, our location promotes vitality and a sense of well-being. We work with the client to develop a personalized recovery program based on their unique needs and goals. Our holistic model is fully integrated, meaning our team of professionals work together, taking a proactive approach to their treatment. And you can rely on the highest level of privacy for the care provided. We develop personalized programs to make the transition back home as seamless as possible and reduce the opportunity for relapse. Allow us to be a part of your patient’s journey towards recovery.

Biography:

Peter Norrie has held clinical management positions since 2002 and is currently the Chief Psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Services for Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol & Drug Services, ACT Health. In addition, he is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The Australian National University Medical School and is a jurisdictional Member of the Safety and Quality Partnership Standing Committee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. (This committee launched the National Mental Health Recovery Framework in 2013). He is an ACT and bi-national representative on a number of committees for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He has clinical and research interests in schizophrenia and psychopharmacology. He has also focused on support for international medical graduates and education and training for colleagues, registrars and general practitioners.

Abstract:

Injectable medications have often been viewed as a last resort or when definitive non-adherence is clearly apparent. Debates about treatment resistance or resistance to treatment can delay the pragmatic need to discuss injections as an option. The consideration of injectables early in the course of the illness ensures effective treatment and in many cases a paradoxical opportunity to engage the patient, bring back control of the situation, reduce symptoms and restore/improve cognition. This can then be seen as a positive response to managing a difficult illness instead of the step of failures in moving away from oral medications that have been ineffective for whatever reason. In this presentation, there will be an historical summary of schizophrenia treatments followed by the case for injectables. Case studies will illustrate the options for treatment at a number of illness stages.

Biography:

Stephanie Cacioppo has received her PhD in 2004 from the University Medical School of Geneva & University of Savoy and Postdoctoral studies from Dartmouth College and UC Santa Barbara. She is an Assistant Professor in the Biological Science Division and the Director of the High Performance Electrical Neuroimaging Laboratory at the University of Chicago. She has published more than 80 papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute. She has received several awards including the APS Fellowship (2014), the APS Rising Star nomination (2011), the Annual ESSM Award of Excellence (2011), the Tom Slick Award from the Mind Science Foundation (2010) and the Geneva University Maurice Chalumeau Award (2007).

Abstract:

The rapid growth of large-scale, high-spatial resolution neuroimaging technology has advanced our understanding of the neural underpinnings of various complex cognitive and social processes from the healthy and disordered brain. However, high-spatial resolution neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have been limited in terms of the temporal information they provide in studies of brain function. A key theoretical objective in neuroscience and medicine is not only to specify what brain areas are recruited during a behavioral task but also to specify when and in what specific combinations they are activated. By providing detailed information about the relationship between neuronal activity and the temporal resolution (millisecond by millisecond) of each component information processing operation required for behavioral performance, high-density EEG recordings and event-related potentials (ERPs) have provided a useful additional tool in investigations of brain function. Whereas fMRI analyses are performed in source space, EEG/ERP analyses are performed in sensor space with high-density sensor recordings producing more detailed information about changes in brain activity measured across time and sensor space. Over the years, some have argued that measuring peaks and troughs was sufficient to the temporal processing of the brain, while others argued persuasively that another approach such as a statistical decomposition of the evoked brain states was necessary. In the current talk, I present a new method for identifying non-periodic brain state dynamics for the brain micro segmentation and analysis of averaged high-density ERPs and new research on the chronoarchitecture of brain microstates in health and psychiatric disorders.

Biography:

Aditya Soni has completed his Post graduation in MD Psychiatry from Gujarat University, India. He is currently working at Rajasthan as a Senior Resident in a premier Neuroscience and Deaddiction Centre.

Abstract:

Background: Schizophrenia is outlined as a very early onset schizophrenia when the onset of psychotic symptoms before the age of 13 years. Childhood-onset schizophrenia is rare: Its prevalence is about 50 times lower than the one observed in adulthood. The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in patients with schizophrenia is relatively high. Antipsychotics have been found to influence OCS. Aim & Objective: The present paper reviews the current knowledge with an emphasis on the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment hindrance associated with the very early onset schizophrenia. Case: We report a case of schizophrenia in which risperidone was effective in the treatment of the psychotic symptoms but produced obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Conclusion: The diagnosis of VEOS requires a multidisciplinary approach, a detailed and careful differential diagnosis. The obsessive compulsive symptoms subsided with gradual reduction of risperidone dose

Biography:

Soumya Sachdeva has completed her MBBS (Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery) from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. She is very passionate about medical research and has 7 publications in PubMed and 2 others in peer reviewed journals. She is also the Editor Board of Journal of Young Medical Researchers and is also the Ambassador for International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS). She was a Research Volunteer at Columbia University Medical Center, where she worked on substance abuse.

Abstract:

Introduction: In 2012, it was found that 5.2% of the world population in the age group of 15-64 years had used an illicit drug once in the previous year. The annual prevalence of opiate abuse in Asia is estimated to be at 0.35%. The majority of heroin consumption in Asia occurs in China, Pakistan, Iran and India. Objective: The purpose of this review is to provide evidence based clinical practice guidelines to prescribers and other health practitioners involved in the care of opioid dependent patients with a special reference to Naltrexone. Materials & Methods: Relevant literature was identified through a PubMed literature search for publications and a review was developed. Discussion: Buprenorphine was the earliest drug to be used successfully in India for the treatment of opiate dependence. Its use began as early as in 1993. The regimen of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment has been made available in drug treatment centers since last few years. Methadone has been launched recently as a multi-site study as a pilot project in India. However, there have been no studies on Naltrexone in the SEAR region yet. Several clinical trials from different countries hold evidence that use of Naltrexone has higher efficacy, minimal toxicity and minimal safety concerns. Data also suggest superior efficacy of long acting injectable Naltrexone compared to oral Naltrexone. Conclusion: The use of opioid antagonists for long term treatment of patients with opioid addiction is one of the newer emerging modalities of treatment. It is recommended that trials on both oral and injectable naltrexone should be started to see the efficacy in the SEAR region.

Biography:

Barbara Pajk has received her Master’s degree in Nursing from Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Slovenia. She has worked at University Psychiatric Clinic Ljubljana since 2006. She has performed her professional work at the whole spectrum of psychiatric fields from clinical psychiatry (urgent psychiatry, gerontopsychiatry and community psychiatric treatment), alcohol and medication addiction. She has published articles and proceedings of lectures in the field of dementia and schizophrenia.

Abstract:

Background: Despite the fact that adherence to antipsychotic medications is the cornerstone in the prevention of exacerbation and the relapse of the disease, more than half of patients with schizophrenia are non-adherent to prescribed medications. The purpose of this study was to examine what are the most common factors associated with antipsychotics non-adherence among patients with schizophrenia. Research Methodology: The study included 91 patients (18 to 65 years) with a diagnosis of ICD-10 (F20), hospitalized at the University Psychiatric Clinic in Ljubljana in various forms of treatment. Measures included socio-demographic characteristics, the substance abuse, the number of prescribed medications and daily doses, the knowledge of the prescribed antipsychotic medication, the causes for non-adherence using the Alberta Mental Health Survey questionnaire and attitudes towards drugs using the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10). Adherence was assessed subjectively. Results: 61.5% of patients were non-adherent to antipsychotic medication. There was a negative correlation between medication non-adherence and substance abuse (smoking p=0.013, alcohol p=0.030, drugs p=0.001), negative attitudes towards medication (p=0.012), knowledge of side effects (p=0.009), a higher number of daily doses of antipsychotic medication (p=0.001) and male gender (p=0.003). The most common cause for non-adherence identified was the patient’s belief that they can cure without antipsychotic medications (27.5%) followed by the patient’s subjective feeling that they feel better and therefore the medication would no longer be needed (22.0%), and side effects (16.0%), whereby difficulties with fatigue and weight gain predominated. Subjective feeling that the medication did not help (13.2%); forgetfulness (12.1%) and sexual dysfunction (7.7%) were also identified as a reason for non-adherence. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should intensely strive to promote adherence among patients with schizophrenia with an emphasis on an individual approach regarding the causes of non-adherence. Special attention should be paid to a vulnerable group of patients.

Biography:

Ahmad Hussein Rateb Rayan has completed his PhD from the University of Jordan. He is a Lecturer specialized in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a Reviewer in 3 journals.

Abstract:

Background: Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating impact on the life of university students. Data about stigma toward mental illness and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) in Arab university students are rare. This study aims to examine the correlates of ATSPPH in Jordanian university students. Method: A cross sectional correlation design was used for this study. Using an online survey, a sample of 519 Jordanian university students completed measures of demographic and clinical variables, stigma toward mental illness and ATSPPH. Stigma toward mental illness was tested as a correlate of ATSPPH using a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Results: The results showed that Jordanian students have relatively less favorable ATSPPH than other study groups. Female gender, medically-related specialties, students with a previous history of receiving mental health counseling services and students who reported low scores on measures of stigma toward mental illness were more likely to have favorable ATSPPH. The stigma toward mental illness was the strongest correlate of ATSPPH in students and accounted for 13% additional variance above and beyond the 3% accounted for by all other independent variables. Conclusions: Combating stigma toward mental illness in Arab students is an important step toward promoting their ATSPPH. There is a crucial need to provide professional and culturally competent psychological care for this population in particular.