2^nd International Conference on Adolescent Medicine & Child Psychology October 06-08, 2016 London, UK

Biography:

After 15 years in practice, ending as Principal Psychiatric Social Worker, Prof Pritchard became a Lecturer 1970, Dept Psychiatry, University Leeds. He gained a Senior Lectureship at the University of Bath 1976-80 before moving to the Foundation Chair in Social Work Studies at University of Southampton 1980-1998. From 1998-2001 he was Research Professor in Psychiatric Social Work, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Southampton since which he has been Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine, University of Southampton and Visiting Professor at Dept Psychiatry, 2001 to present

Abstract:

Need for mental health paradigm: Being concerned with child wellbeing and protection Child-Abuse-Related-Deaths (CARD) attract considerable public and therefore political concern however UK and Western world evidence raises the question are CARD the wrong focus for child development and protection. From a decade of CARD from an English region, based upon police records, we found that the majority of Within-Family assailants were predominately either mentally ill or had severe personality disorder, whilst the minority Extra-family assailants were all Violent-Multi-Criminal-Child-Sex Abusers, and lie outside the responsibility of the caring services. Re-evaluating evidence from other Western countries supports this contention points towards the need to reframe our intervention programs, starting from the ‘normative’, to assist the child’s bio-psycho-social development, which would improve child protection. We offer an integrative inter-agency paradigm the “Mental Health Syndrome” (MHS), which recognizes the over-lap of the mental illnesses, personality disorders, which often include alcohol and substance abuse, hence the Mental Health Syndrome concept, rather than narrow separate diagnostic criteria. If child protection services thought `mental health’ or rather MHS, and adult psychiatrist thought ‘children’, half the children died would not have ended as victims.  Our evidence indicates CARD assailants problems are primarily psychological rather than social, though poor socio-economic circumstances, worsens the situation for psychological/ psychiatrically vulnerable people. Supportive evidence for the MHS emphasis comes from the fact that at national levels, ‘ordinary/ total’ Child Mortality Rates are strongly correlated with `income inequality’ [data from WHO and World Bank] but CARD are not, thus it is the MHS factors rather than the socio-economic per se. Using the MHS paradigm offers a preventive service that recognizes the impact that mentally ill parent has upon the child’s development, which requires an integrative optimal psychopharmacological-psycho-social service for parents, and, a support service for children that would be cost-effective overtime over time.

‘A Hidden’ Neglect: However, our MHS focus exposes the fact that there  is a `hidden neglect’ in the UK as currently Britain has the third worst relatively poverty in the Western world, fifth highest child mortality and comparatively the lowest funded health service of 21 Western countries. The evidence lies in the fact that UK adult (55-74) deaths have been reduced significantly more than 17 other countries (1980-2013), whereas nine of these same countries have had significantly bigger reductions in child mortality than Britain, suggesting differing priorities. We call this ‘hidden’ neglect because in view of UNICEF’s statement.  “In the last analysis child mortality rates are an indication of how well a nation meets the needs I of its children” (UNICEF, 2001).  Compared with many countries Britain has an ‘excess deaths of children’ hence we require a refocusing of our child wellbeing and protection policies for all children not just those of mentally ill parents.

Biography:

Ann Marie Pike is a child and family therapist, art therapist and supervisor working both in private practice and contractually supporting children, families and individuals over the past 20 years. She specializes in the interventions of ASD, ADHD, learning and behavior issues and educational inclusion. She has a BA in Behavioral Psychology (UW River Falls, WI, USA) Post Graduate Certificate in Family and Systemic Therapy and Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Diagnostics and Research. (Otago University, Otago New Zealand) She is Co-Owner/Founder/Director of HWYL Associates Therapeutic Mental Health Clinic in Paraparaumu New Zealand. She is fully accredited with the New Zealand Psychological Society, New Zealand Christian Counselors and the New Zealand Family and Systemic Therapy Association of Aotearoa

Abstract:

As a child and family therapist, the incidence of Autism within a family unit can be a unique experience therapeutically.  Its pervasive characteristics can create bonds and barriers between parent and child, siblings, school staff and in social frameworks.  These stresses can contribute, to many elements of negative family dynamics and co-morbid issues. In a multi-modal approach involving the whole family systemically, I have found an increase in the therapeutic relationship through trust building, further resilience in anxiety and depression, confidence building in parents and in children, an increase in communication through giving language to emotion. In a multi-modal therapeutic approach, the following interventions are simultaneously used: Psycho education-outlined for parents (can include marriage concerns), Comic Strip Conversations – (Carol Gray), Social Stories (Carol Gray, re-framing), Management of problem behaviors, Management of rigid behaviors and special interests, Management of anxiety and Engagement activities (e.g. Art therapy, Equine therapy and special interest)*(AMP). The therapist must observe each individual and their family members as unique within this paradigm as a whole part - with ALL facing and working with the ASD as it relates to themselves. (Inside or outside the diagnosis)

Biography:

Vahdet Gormez has completed his medical training from Istanbul University in 2002 and specialist training in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry in Oxford Deanery, UK, in 2013. He is a board member for Doctors Worldwide and has been chairing the department of child and adolescent psychiatry at Bezmialem Vakıf University since August 2014. 

Abstract:

Objective: Around 18 million children are estimated to have been forcibly displaced for reasons ranging from armed conflict and persecution to economic pressures and natural disasters. As of March 2015 there are more than 2,700 registered Syrian refugees in Turkey and around 54% of them are those under 18 years of age. Forcibly displaced minors are known to be under risk for a wide range of mental health problems including anxiety disorders, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. In the present study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety-related disorders and to assess the risk factors for development of psychopathology amongst the forcibly displaced young people resettled in Turkey following the outbreak of war in Syria in 2011.

Methods: A total of 218 subjects (48.6% males) aged between 9 and 15 years (mean: 11.99, SD ± 1.82) were recruited from two schools in Istanbul and screened using the self-report and parent forms of the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index: DSM-IV Version, Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Results: A total of 23.1% of the participants reported symptoms indicating presence psychopathology based on the SDQ total score. 14% reported severe emotional problems whilst 17.4% had conduct problems and 26.6% had severe problems in peer relationships. Prevalence of PTSD was 18.3% and that of anxiety disorders were as high as 69.0 %. More than half of the subjects (56.2%) reported that someone close to them had died during the war or flee, 42.5 % witnessed someone killed or exposed to violence and 25.6% reported that they had been exposed to maltreatment or torture. In terms of the risk factors for developing psychopathology; increasing age was significantly associated with anxiety-related disorders (p<.001) and general psychopathology (p=.039) but not with PTSD (p=.276). Death of a close person, seeing dead or wounded people, witnessing torture or killing during or after the war were significantly associated with PTSD, anxiety and psychopathology in general (overall p<0.05) Remarkably, being able to speak Turkish or duration of stay in Istanbul since resettlement, which could be accounted for social adjustment, only showed significant association with anxiety but not with PTSD or general psychopathology. Again, self- report on satisfaction with living conditions in Istanbul had no association with psychopathology. 

Conclusion: Mental health problems are highly prevalent amongst the forcibly displaced young people resettled in Istanbul and the most consistent risk factors appear to be the traumatic experiences related to the war or post-war flee period.

Biography:

Dr. Conner completed her Master’s in Counseling at the University of North Texas, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University. Her internship and postdoctoral studies were done at the 5th Avenue Center for Counseling and Psychotherapy, New York, NY.  Dr. Conner currently serves as the Crisis Counselor at Highland Park High School (Dallas, Texas), and she has a private practice. She has presented to numerous National, community, and parent organizations including the American Psychological Association, the Texas Psychological Association, and the Dallas Bar Association, and she serves on the Advisory Committees for The Elisa Project and the Chemical Awareness and Resource Education Center of Dallas

Abstract:

As a mental health professional employed by a high school with a student population of 2200, I found that the majority of our pupils with mental health issues do not seek help until a crisis occurs such as difficulty with maintaining academic requirements, substance use, relationship problems, and/or inability to perform athletically. We know that suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds (almost 5000 each year), and that approximately 2.8 million U.S. youth ages 12-17 had at least one major depressive episode in 2014. Studies have shown that suicide prevention programs which focus on identification and treatment of mental illness and substance abuse and coping with stress are most likely to be successful.  With the support of my administrators, I decided to implement a program to help identify students who are experiencing psychological symptoms which could become a diagnosable mental illness, in hopes of providing early intervention. We screen our incoming 9^th grade students (with parental permission) for suicide ideation, mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance use at the beginning of the school year. The confidential screening program we use was created by Columbia University in New York. Students who have elevated scales for any area screened are individually counseled with and invited to attend a small group (with parent permission) where they are taught DBT skills to help improve their overall well being. After completion of groups, students are checked on periodically as they continue their high school years.  (Also, if at any time deemed necessary for a student's or others safety, parents receive referrals for out of school resources) This plan has greatly impacted the well being of our student body. Unfortunately, we have had one suicide in eight years; however, we know we have prevented others while making a positive difference in the overall climate of the school. 

Biography:

Zita Schiller has completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Arizona State University. She is a distinguished and skilled entrepreneur. Her extensive experience includes: crisis, acute, inpatient and sub-acute mental health, eating and multi-disorder, addiction and trauma treatment. She has thought clinical psychiatric nursing to college students enrolled in the nursing program. Her Doctoral project was presented at the EMDR International Association 25^th Anniversary Conference held in Denver, Colorado September, 2014 and the World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics held in Copenhagen, Denmark October 2014

Abstract:

Early experiences shape the architecture of the developing brain, and consequently, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Young children, who experience significant neglect and adverse parenting, are at increased risk for developing a range of health problems, including behavioral and emotional difficulties. This can further develop into more serious disorders over time. Resource Development Installation (RDI) is emerging evidence based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) method, utilized to enhance positive emotions, thoughts and behaviors, associated with positive memories and augment emotional balance. An Evidence Based Practice (EBP) project was developed to explore positive resourcing with EMDR RDI among parents of children ages 0-12, receiving behavioral health services through Arizona’s Children Association (AZCA), and its effect on parental stress and subsequently children’s behavior, after 7 sessions. The Parental Stress Index fourth edition (PSI4) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were utilized to collect the pre- and post-intervention data, while the Wilcoxon Sign-Ranked Test was applied to compare the scores recorded. A decrease in post-intervention scores was noted on several parental stress as well as child behavior problem domains. Therefore, EMDR RDI represents an effective treatment method for parental stress, which further influences parental perception of child behavior. Nevertheless, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test did not elicit a statistically significant change, (Z=-1.069, p=0.285), due to the rather small participant sample size (n=3), thus the project represents an exploratory pilot study, and it is utilized to generate a hypothesis. Implications for current and future practice, and need for further research is discussed.

Biography:

Ali Khadivi, Ph.D. is currently Associate Chair for Clinical Care, Evaluation, and Research at the Department of Psychiatry, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center as well as Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York. Dr. Khadivi is an assessment psychologist, teacher, forensic consultant, supervisor, and lecturer.  He has co-authored a book titled: Assessing Psychosis: A Clinician Guide, and has a combined total of more than 100 national and international presentations, workshops, and publications. He maintains a clinical and forensic psychology practice in New York City.

Abstract:

The diagnosis of psychosis continues to evolve and the current diagnostic classification system has made important changes in both diagnostic criteria and to the clinical significance of certain psychotic symptoms. These changes have major implications for clinical practice. The goal of this workshop is to present the most updated evidence-based approaches to assessment of psychotic disorders in adolescents and young adults. The presentation will examine the recent changes to the definition of delusion, diagnostic criteria of psychotic disorders, diagnostic hierarchy of psychosis, and dimensional approaches to evaluation of psychosis. In addition, the presentation will offer a hands-on approach with the goal of offering practical interviewing techniques to reliably assess core psychotic symptoms, and will examine the updated risk factors for suicide and violence in adolescents and young adults with psychotic disorders.

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Sarah Parry is a clinical psychologist working with looked after children in the UK and Programme Lead for the Psychological Wellbeing Training Pathway at Manchester Metropolitan University.  Her current research interests include exploring how young people heal following trauma, talking therapies for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the narratives people develop around dissociative experiences. Sarah received her DClinPsy from the University of Lancaster in 2015. Prior to clinical psychology training, Sarah ran therapeutic programmes with looked after children in Romania, Bulgaria and India between 2003 and 2011

Abstract:

The presentation will discuss recent findings from our trauma-focussed residential service for looked after children. The service supports a number of children who have experienced multitype trauma, including sexual abuse. The novel Restorative Parenting approach, developed by Dr Chris Robinson, is a framework for providing specialist and intensive support for children and young adolescents who have experienced multiple losses, transitions and interpersonal traumas. The Restorative Parenting framework and five-index measure (Self-Care, Forming relationships & attachments, Self-perception, Self-management & self-awareness, Emotional Competence) aims to promote wellbeing through a multisystemic practice model. Our initial findings, combined with the recommdendations of our team’s other recent publications such as an ideographic systematic review of talking therapies for adult survivors of child sexual abuse and an exploratory study of survivors’ experiences of inpatient services, will be discussed in the context of our current practices. An early audit of the childrens’ progress has shown extremely promising results and new indications for how the practice model can be developed further. Recent findings in relation to the existing knowledge base will be discussed

Biography:

Rajajeyakumar M, MBBS, MD (Physiology), MSc Yoga, CCEBDM (PHFI), PhD, has completed his MD Physiology, (2006-2009) at (JIPMER- An Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India). He worked as Research Assistant (2009-2012) in Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research Lab and JIPMER. He has published more than 28 papers in reputed national & international journals. He is serving as an expert reviewer (>22) and Editorial Board Member (>20) in many national and international journals. He was selected as chairperson for 12^th and 13^th Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference-3^rd and 4^th International Conference on Faculty Development in the Health Professions, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, Singapore 2015 & 16. His diabetic research paper was accepted for presentation in World Diabetes Congress Dec-2015, Vancouver, Canada, organized by the International Diabetes Federation. He is also appointed as one of the Advisory Council members of Pure Action; Yoga is Medicine, Austin, TX 78703

Abstract:

In general, women are much more concerned about their appearance than men. The key reason for this is that their appearance is central to how they are evaluated by others. That phenomenon is often rejected as appearance but giving it an unpleasant name is not going to make it go away. According to a recent study both men and women perceive facial symmetry as attractive in females, but facial averageness and facial maturity also affect men’s perception of attractiveness. There are several anthropometric traits that have been associated with attractiveness, especially focusing on the face in great detail. The face is considered to be the most important part of the body in social interactions, since facial features become more important causes of overall attractiveness, according to a 2013 study published in the journal Psychological Science. Moreover, from a biological perspective, facial features hold a biological signal that informs us how healthy we are, meaning attractive faces signal different things in men and women. Physical attractiveness has been measured using facial symmetry, which implies that the more symmetrical an individual’s facial features are the more attractive the perception of the individual.

Biography:

Emmanuelle O’Grady is a Senior Clinical Psychologist for 13 years specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychology. She has worked in countries like the France, the USA, Ireland and is presently based in Singapore for the last 3 years, where she works a Senior clinical Psychologist in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She works mainly with children and adolescents in the outpatient and inpatient Pediatric services. As a clinical Psychologist in Singapore, she has been developing or initiating programs in Psychodermatology and Psychosomatic medicine. 

Abstract:

Introduction: Many patients with severe eczema attend KKH Pediatric Dermatology Service. Their quality of life is often affected, leading to psychosocial issues, poor compliance with treatment, decreased self-esteem, anger management issues and absenteeism from school. A multidisciplinary team with Dermatologists, Nurses, Allergist, Medical social worker, Dietitian and Psychologist will provide better patient care and prognosis.

Hypothesis: A multidisciplinary approach will be more effective in managing children and adolescents with severe eczema. The aim is to reduce the impact of social and psychological difficulties as stress exacerbates severe eczema. The aim is to provide holistic care and improve psychosocial and psychological issues faced by patients and their families.

Method: Severe dermatitis is considered from a biological and psychosocial perspective relating to the link mind-body. This dual approach called Psychodermatology addresses both dermatologic and psychological aspects: skin reacts to emotional and environmental stressors because psychological states influence physical states. Psychological therapies can’t cure the underlying cause of eczema, but they can offer improvement in management of severe eczema by understanding and reducing psychological stressors.

Results: Psychodermatology is a discipline that brings great improvement in patients’ life and skin condition. There is a complex interplay between skin, neuroendocrine systems and stress. Patients with severe eczema attending KKH Multi-disciplinary team all present with either decreased self-esteem, depression, separation anxiety and social phobias, bullying issues, interpersonal stress in link with adolescence issues, dysfunctional family dynamics, psychosocial issues or learning difficulties. Statistics will be collated to evaluate patients ‘main psychological difficulties.

Biography:

Wong, Lai-Moy Carman obtained Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Education in Counseling of University of North Texas. She is a Registered Social Worker, Associate Fellow & Approved Counseling Supervisor of The Hong Kong Professional Counseling Association (HKPCA). She is a Lecturer of Department of Social Work, CUHK, Member of Mental Health Social Workers Chapter of Hong Kong Social Workers Association, experienced social worker in counseling and mental health field for more than 20 years

Abstract:

Adolescence is an important stage of development in which young people encounter many physical and psychological changes and adaptations. These experiences and challenges also affect how adolescents enter adulthood. This paper attempts to explore prevalent mental health issues among youths in Hong Kong. Previous researches show that among mentally ill adults, disorders onset for more than 50% was prior to age 24. This paper presents discussions on the mental health issues included early psychosis, depression, anxiety disorders, suicide, drug abuse, and internet addiction of youths in Hong Kong. The aforementioned mental health issues cannot be ignored and should get social concern. A holistic wellness model is recommended to enhance youth mental health from physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and family-oriented perspectives. This paper suggests early intervention and the active promotion of community education about mental health. It also recommends policy-level support for prevention from family, education, medical treatment, and social service perspectives.

Biography:

Aswitha Priya is presently pursuing MBBS at Chennai Medical College and Research Centre, Trichy-621105, affiliated by Dr.MGR Medical University, Tamilnadu, India. 

Abstract:

Worldwide, suicide is the third-leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24 according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Among youths 12 to 16 year of age, up to 10% of boys and 20% of girls have considered suicide. Suicide is multi-causal, but there are always many biological, psychological, psychiatric, historical, social and cultural factors involved in its development. Mental illness stressors like interpersonal losses, family violence, sexual orientation confusion, physical and sexual abuse and being the victim of bullying, self-destructive behaviors increased with age more frequent among boys. Girls were more likely to experience internalizing (emotional) psychiatric symptoms attempt suicide much earlier than boys, and this disparity is especially prominent between the ages of 13 and 17. The teen years are an anxious and unsettling period as boys and girls face the difficulties of transition into adulthood. It is a period in life that is often confusing, leaving teens feeling isolated from family or peers. Girls generally attempt suicide more often than boys, but boys are about 4 times more likely to die from the suicide attemptMore obvious signs that an adolescent may be suicidal include low self-esteem and self-deprecating remarks.Hopelessness is the most important spiritual risk factor. The Beck Hopelessness and Depression Scale is a tool for easy application in general practice neither parents nor teachers are able to recognize and handle, and provides useful advice for prevention.The ability to correctly identify risk factors as well as knowledge of specific tools useful for identifying such factors can help to significantly improve the early diagnostics and. therapeutic interventions in children and adolescents.

Biography:

Ingrid Sellschop is a clinical physical therapist in South Africa. She completed her PhD in Physiotherapy in 2015 from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a clinical practitioner as well as guest lecture on the Masters program for orthopedics and pain management in Physiotherapy. She has a special interest in behavioral medicine and pain management. She has presented her research at local and international congresses.

Abstract:

Numerous factors have been identified as risk factors for developing musculoskeletal pain amongst adolescents. Pain can have a negative impact on the ability of a learner to concentrate and perform at school. Poor workstation set up at home and at school, prolonged awkward sitting postures in front of desk top computers and laptop computers, carrying of laptop bags and heavy schoolbags are some of the risk factors that have been identified. A more recent risk factor for developing musculoskeletal pain is the concept of catastrophizing. A high catastrophizer may be at risk for developing musculoskeletal pain and this factor needs to be identified in a learner sample prior to the design and implementation of an intervention program. A randomized control trial was conducted with a population of South African adolescent learners (n=127) in a school environment to determine the effect of a computer-related ergonomics intervention program on pain catastrophising levels and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. The results showed that pain catastrophising levels amongst adolescent learners can be modified and this may reduce the risk for developing chronic pain in the long term.

Biography:

Abstract:

The mental health of siblings of children diagnosed with cancer or “well children” tends to be overlooked due to parental attention given to the sick child. Limited research has shown that siblings of children with cancer may be at risk for developing symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress and depression. In addition, studies convey mothers report that their “well children” perform slightly poorer academically and experience less involvement in their well children’s activities. Psychological research on this topic is lacking; more is needed to study effectiveness of using certain psychological interventions when treating the “well children” of siblings diagnosed with cancer. Although limited, research has shown that siblings of children with cancer harbor feelings of sadness, worry, anger and guilt among others. In addition, “well children” may believe their feelings to be invalid or unimportant due to the fragile state of their sick sibling as well as their parents. As a result, they may feel guilt and shame for possessing such feelings. Studies show that “well children” benefit from receiving some type of emotional support- (i.e. through support groups and supportive relationships with adults). Child Person-centered therapy may prove to be an effective treatment as a “well child” may benefit from a warm, supportive relationship with a non-judgmental adult (other than his or her parent) that can provide a safe, nurturing environment in addition to empathy and unconditional positive regard. Child Person-centered therapy might also assist “well children” to become more knowledgeable about their sick siblings’ condition which may lead to more realistic views about treatments and consequences.  Few studies exist focusing on the effectiveness of using person-centered therapy to treat well children of siblings diagnosed with cancer. This presentation is intended to warrant why Child Person-centered therapy might be an effective therapy in treating the “well child.” It is also hoped from this presentation that new research will be generated studying the effectiveness of child-person centered therapy with this population of “well children.”

Biography:

Kishore S is presently pursuing MBBS at Chennai Medical College and Research Centre, Trichy-621105, affiliated by Dr.MGR Medical University, Tamilnadu, India. 

Abstract:

Child wellbeing and protection’ is used to refer to the duty of everyone, including social workers, for the wellbeing, improvement and safety of the children and young person in our community. The family in all of its diverse forms is the basic unit of care for children and young people and that all families need supportive connections to enable them to develop firmly and happily. It recognizes that many families and communities have to face situations and conditions that demanding their capacity to provide optimal care for children and young people. Social workers, in a variety of practice contexts, need to be able to promote child wellbeing and to assess and respond to the needs of children and families through direct practice and through working for structural changes. Young people and families requires an understanding of the inter-related nature of child wellbeing, abuse and neglect with issues such as poverty, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, disability, colonization and the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generation, homelessness, education, health and mental health. Contribution in primary prevention programs has the greatest likelihood of inhibit progression along the service continuum and sparing children and families from the harmful consequences of abuse and neglect. Building capacity within families through the employment of a tertiary-qualified workforce with the skills and support infrastructure to work with high-risk families, reducing the administrative load on frontline workers, increased funding to family support and preservation services, reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the assessment ground work used by child protection, services including the use of structured decision-making tools.

Biography:

Annabelle Denis is a PhD candidate in Clinical Neuropsychology at Laval University. She specializes in Pediatric Neuropsychology and works with children and adolescents who present with neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research focuses on the long-term effects of premature birth in early adulthood. She is particularly interested in identifying therapeutic interventions that reduce the functional and cognitive impairments associated with prematurity. She has received studentships of the Centre Interdisciplinaire de Rechercheen Réadaptationet Intégration Sociale (CIRRIS) and by the Fond de recherche du Québec- Société et culture (FQRSC).

Abstract:

The advent of technology in neonatal care units has increased the survival rate of premature infants. However, there is still room to better understand the deleterious impacts of prematurity on brain and cognition over lifespan, including the early adulthood that has poorly been studied to date. This study tested the mechanism of interhemispheric inhibition (IHI reflecting the integrity of callosal function) and intra-cortical inhibition (ICI reflecting synaptic organization for planning the action) along with the cognitive function in young adults born very prematurely (PT). 13 PT (17 ± 25yo, born ≤ 32 weeks gestational age -GA) were compared to 12 young adults born at term (20 ± 25yo). IHI and ICI were tested with transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex of hand. As compared to the term group, the PT had less occurrence of IHI (p<0.0001), longer IHI latencies (inter hemispheric transfer, p=0.004), shorter IHI duration (p<0.0001), less excitability in the non-dominant hemisphere (p=0.001), and less ICI (37.5% in PT group vs. 100% in terms). Thissuboptimal regulation between hemispheres and intra-cortical motor function was paralleled by difficulties to sustain attention in PT as assessed by neuropsychological testing. This study suggests that brain function known to be impaired in PT children and adolescents remained suboptimal at early adulthood and may explain some minor cognitive impairment detected. These brain indicators of a long-term influence of prematurity should be used earlier to test the efficacy of rehab programs on modules recognized to be specifically impaired in adulthood.

Biography:

Vamsi Tummalachetty is Doctoral student in clinical psychology, specializing in child and adolescents.

Abstract:

Introduction: There are multiple challenges for adolescents transitioning out of foster care into adult living. The efficacy of interventions in addressing the needs of this population is increasing. Interventions and strategies for facilitating the development of skills conducive to becoming an independently functioning adult are identified. Problem or Purpose: Transitioning into independent adult living is particularly challenging for youth in foster care. While youth adjustment during foster care has been investigated, there is an absence of research in the area of individuals aging out of foster care. The existing evidence on psychosocial and occupational outcomes of youth leaving foster care points to problematic functioning during this transition. This is evident from research that identifies high rates of homelessness, incarceration, unemployment; low educational attainment, teen parenthood and substance abuse (make a reference to a source). Foster care youth leaving the system also suffer from poor physical and mental health in comparison to other young adult populations. Procedure: The purpose of this poster presentation is to identify the needs of adolescents transitioning into adulthood from foster care, to evaluate the efficacy of current intervention programs and to offer suggestions for what foster parents and case workers can do to promote a successful transition into adulthood. Results: Evidence based research can serve as a basis for intervention tools and strategies to be utilized by parents and foster care workers to help transitioning youth develop the required skills and competencies needed to become an independently functioning adult. It is imperative that these interventions use models that consider etiological processes of PTS development. Etiological frameworks focus on how humans adapt to traumatic stress and the interventions goal is to target how they are able to form resilience after trauma and have a healthy adaption to their continuing life. Providing foster parents with templates of evidence based intervention tools which take into account appropriate timing, context and delivery can better equip the individual for the transition from foster care. Conclusions & Implications: Foster care youth leaving the system do not often use social assistance in comparison to other adults of their age. Creating outreach programs to this population that provide access to resources, and utilizing technology to provide support, monitoring, education, and resources are discussed as promising options. Potential pitfalls of current interventions and programs need to be challenged and addressed in order to achieve better positive outcomes for individuals transitioning from foster care.

Biography:

Abstract:

The emotional trauma of victims of sexual abuse and the problem of vesico vaginal fistula (VVF) disorder, resultant from violent rape of children and the post traumatic stress disorder of such victims is of serious concern to psychologists and counselors. VVF is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder and the virgina that allows the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the virginal vault. The emotional scar left on such victims of sexual abuse and rape, coupled with the deleterious consequences, the physical trauma and the need to apply counseling strategies for the psychological wellbeing of these victims is the focus of this paper. The traumatizing experience of rape victims that poses a serious threat to their lives or physical and personal integrity and the low self-esteem suffered by the victims of such an abuse and consequences has become a subject of global conversation and this paper sets out to critically examine the subject.

Biography:

Hannah is completing the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of Wolverhampton, UK. She has a first-class honours degree in Psychology from Sheffield Hallam University, and an MSc in Neuropsychology from the University of Bristol.

Abstract:

Objective: This research aims to explain the impact of HypnoBirthing on mother’s self-efficacy in a labour, and beyond, to understand whether the program may be of use in improving maternal well-being. Design: The research uses a qualitative perspective with the use of semi-structured interviews. Method: Initially six participants will be recruited though HypnoBirthing groups. The research will then employ theoretical sampling to recruit further participants, as consistent with the Grounded Theory approach employed for data analysis. Implications: To the author’s knowledge the subjective experience of women who engage with hypnosis for labour, specially using the HypnoBirthing method has not been reviewed at depth and requires further formal investigation to elucidate the anecdotal information available. It is vital that more is understood about the protective factors women can draw upon to prevent or mediate a traumatic birth experience. An understanding of this should lead to a better understanding how women at risk of Post-Partum Post Traumatic Stress might be facilitated in protecting themselves against psychological trauma. This should also serve to protect and promote the emotional availability of postnatal mother’s to their children

Biography:

Daniela Sofia de Freitas Semedo holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. She has obtained MSc degree in Health Psychology and a BSc in Clinical Psychology. Her work has been focused on vulnerability to psychopathology and early identification and intervention in psychosis.

Abstract:

Background: Considering recent advances in the field of early detection and intervention in young people with increased levels of psychotic symptoms seeking help, this thesis proposes that early attachment insecurity triggers an inability to regulate emotional distress, to engage in positive interpersonal interactions with others, to use adaptive coping mechanisms and to manage social support appropriately. These constructs appear to be linked to psychosis; however, considering continuity between sub-threshold psychotic symptoms and the later development of psychosis, it is vital to understand if these underlying affective and interpersonal mechanisms increase the risk of psychosis in help-seeking young people. Objectives: This study was cross-sectional and investigated the following research questions: 1) Does attachment insecurity signpost the risk of developing psychosis? 2) Do coping strategies, interpersonal difficulties, social support and emotional distress have an indirect effect on the relationship between attachment insecurity and the risk of developing psychosis? Methods: A total of 76 help-seeking young people were recruited from Community Mental Health Services in Edinburgh. All participants completed a number of questionnaires exploring their coping strategies, interpersonal problems, perceived social support and emotional distress. A semi-structured interview was undertaken, to assess their socio-demographic background. The Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States was administered and coded to assess their risk of psychosis and associated psychopathology, while path analysis was used to analyse the data and to address the research questions. Results: Path analysis revealed that attachment insecurity directly predicted psychotic symptoms in the total sample (N=76) but not in the subgroup of young people with an ARMS (N=46). Emotional distress played a partially moderating role between attachment insecurity and the severity and distress associated with disorganised speech and perceptual abnormalities in the total sample but not when considering only those with an ARMS, while interpersonal problems did not mediate the relationship between attachment insecurity and the risk of psychosis in either group. Discrepancies between ideal and received social support fully mediated the relationship between attachment insecurity and the distress associated with disorganised speech in the total sample but not when considering those with an ARMS. The tendency to use less adaptive coping strategies was found to mediate directly the relationship between attachment anxiety and the distress associated with perceptual abnormalities in young people with ARMS, albeit not in the total sample. Discussion: The clinical and theoretical implications of these results are discussed within the clinical staging model for intervention in psychosis. The findings strongly indicate that clinicians should take into consideration the mechanisms of attachment, coping strategies and social support, as well as the deleterious effects of associated emotional distress, when working with young people with increased levels of psychotic symptoms.

Biography:

Mathew Nguyen, MD is double-boarded in Adult Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Nguyen earned his doctorate in medicine at the University of Texas-Health Science Center-San Antonio. He subsequently completed an internship at Baylor College of Medicine, general psychiatry residency at Georgetown University, and child/adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Florida. His experience in eating disorders includes treating the very ill inpatients to directing an intensive outpatient program. He has treated patients ages 9 to 72. Dr. Nguyen has presented on various eating disorder topics at both national and international conferences as well as having multiple publications on the subject. His main area of interest in eating disorders includes understanding the interactive psychological dynamic between patient, family members, and providers

Abstract:

This session will begin with an overview of the DSM-V criteria for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and a review of the latest research on this “new” diagnosis. We will take a closer look at differential diagnosis and highlight possible symptom overlap of ARFID with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and sensory processing disorder. We will summarize recent findings on etiology and prevalence rates for ARFID and present in-depth case studies (including recorded interviews with the adolescent male patient and an adult female) to illustrate the characteristic presentation of this disorder. Following the case study we will discuss multi-disciplinary treatment approaches and modalities for ARFID including medical management, nutrition therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, exposure and response prevention, mindfulness, expressive arts therapies and family therapy. Focus will be given to looking at the use of exposure-response prevention (ERP), a modality that is frequently effective for the treatment of anxiety disorder, on ARFID. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussion. This session will take a closer look at Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), one of the "new" eating disorders in DSM-5, exploring etiology, epidemiology and multidisciplinary treatment, comparing with other eating disorder diagnoses. Teaching methods will include in-depth case studies, to include patient videos. We will present research data on the use of exposure response prevention (ERP), a behavioral treatment modality that is very effective in treating anxiety disorders, on ARFID. This is based on the observation that some ARFID patients have a significant anxiety component with their food aversion. Three measurable learning objectives of the presentation: Identify 3 distinguishing characteristics of ARFID describe 3 common challenges in treatment of ARFID and explain rationale for Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment modality.

Biography:

Prof Michael Schorow is working at Newcastle University, Australia

Abstract:

In their seminal paper, de Young & Wischkowski (1963) proposed the psychosexual development in infants progresses in a non-linear fashion as a function of age. The model has gained large traction within the fields of pediatric psychology and developmental neuroscience (e. g. Misher 1987; Schorow 1997). At present, it is not known how neonatal risk factors such as motherhood, imbalance and neural pruning affect the development in infants. Here, we assessed this question partially as follows: Ventral Epiphysal Products (VEP) were measured using a saliva sample in 24 infants aged 0-3 years, and standard family intactness questionnaires (KQOS; Queensland Institute of Sexual Education and Development 2008) were administered to the parents. At a 2-week return visit, using a portable high-density EEG (hdEEG) system, we assessed the vertex response to brief visual stimuli (>2 seconds). We find that family intactness affects hormonal regulation as well as the neural plasticity even in early limbic areas. Our results have important implications for education programmes

Biography:

L Berman obtained his PhD from Florida International University and is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida. He has more than 45 publications in reputed journals and is an Editorial Board Member of 4 journals. He served as a President of the International Society for Research on Identity.

Abstract:

For many adolescents, identity development is a relatively smooth and rewarding activity of exploring and committing to the roles, goals and values that give one’s life direction and purpose. For others, it can be a tumultuous time of existential anxiety and depression, leading to a condition that has been labeled identity distress. Erik Erikson suggested that the adolescent struggle to achieve a committed sense of identity was a normative psychosocial milestone; however, he acknowledged that resolution of this developmental task was easier for some than others, and it has been noted that for a few, it can be psychologically debilitating. It has also been observed that identity distress and dysfunction may be on the rise, perhaps due to globalization and the complexity of modern society. Identity distress has been studied in a number of different countries including Canada, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Sweden. There has also been some work on the development of interventions aimed at lowering identity distress and increasing positive identity development. More light needs to be shined on this important, yet under-studied modern phenomenon, in order to expand and enhance efforts to foster positive development in adolescents and young adults.

Biography:

Tina C Montreuil of McGill University, Faculty of Educational and Counseling Psychology and Faculty of Medicine (Psychiatry), is an award-winning psychologis t and researcher in the study of childhood anxiety disorders and disorders of emotional regulation in children being precursors to psychiatric illness. Her research on mental illness suggests that implementing strategies around emotional regulation into the educational environments of elementary school children will have profound positive effects on their overall social, emotional and academic success.

Abstract:

The issue of child mental health is one that has long been ignored, unrecognized and insufficiently investigated. More than 1 in 5 children under the age of 17 has a mental health disorder, causing significant distress and impairing functioning at home, school, with peers or in the larger community. Mental health problems continue to grow in children and youth, and are predicted to increase by over 50% internationally by 2020, becoming one of the five most common causes of morbidity, mortality, and disability among children (WHO, 2013). Mental health challenges and more specifically, difficulties with emotion regulation have often been linked to social deficiencies in children, playing a large role in a student’s adjustment to their learning environment and overall success in school. Children who struggle with emotional regulation are less likely to maximize their academic potential. Research has consistently shown that when emotional regulation strategies are taught in the classroom, students are more likely to show improved behavior control, peer social skills, and a decrease in externalized behaviors. Research has demonstrated an irrefutable association between emotion regulation and academic success, especially in the first few years of school experience when the development and promotion of resiliency is optimal. This is especially alarming given that a very limited number of studies have looked at the impact of emotion self-regulation skills on school success, despite the fact that individual variables such as emotion dysregulation would clearly have adverse effects on social functioning. Some studies have looked at the impact of emotion dysregulation on social functioning but mainly in regards to psychopathology in adult populations, considerably past the critical ‘elementary school’ period where children would begin to experience academic difficulties. In light of such considerable research limitations, the proposed presentation will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the area of child socio-emotional development and academic success.

Biography:

Kerry Collier completed her MSc in Play and Therapeutic Play in the University of South Wales. She is the founder and Director of the Therapy and Assessment Service. She is also a qualified Adult and Mental Health Nurse who has specialized in Child Protection, Substance Misuse and Parenting Assessments.

Abstract:

Play therapy is undervalued and underutilized as a form of support for children of primary school age. There is a requirement to evidence that Play Therapy is effective when helping children to heal themselves. A pilot study has been commenced to evidence the effectiveness of Play Therapy. The study will use qualitative and quantitative methods of gathering information. Qualitative will be in the forms of a referral form and regular up-dates from the teaching staff and interviews with the carers, pre and post intervention. Quantitative will be in the forms of SDQ scores from the teacher, carer and the child, pre, mid-way and post intervention. At present the statistics gathered indicate that of all the children that have been referred for Play Therapy, 75% are not known to Social Services and the 25% who are known to Social Services have not been offered Play Therapy in the past. Play Therapists are vital within a Primary School setting as most children will attend school. In every School there are the harder to reach children, the children with emotional and behavioral problems, and so by including a Play Therapist within a School setting it could prevent children developing mental health problems, substance misuse problems and criminal behaviors

Biography:

Jean Matter Mandler is Distinguished Research Professor of Cognitive Science at the University of California, San Diego and Visiting Professor at University College London

Abstract:

There is a paradox in early language acquisition. Infants are fascinated by motion; there is abundant evidence that they are far more interested in motion than in static objects. This would lead us to expect that motion verbs would figure prominently in their early vocabularies. Yet infants routinely learn and use object nouns before they learn verbs, even motion verbs. The problem is that verbs are complex and harder to learn than the names of objects, so infants find other ways to refer to motion prior to acquiring verbs. For example, they use prepositions such as up and down, to refer to things moving up and down, andsocial terms such as ‘hi’ and ‘bye’, to refer tocoming in and going out. Examples are given, showing how infants manage to express what most interests them.

Biography:

Fu Jing Hui is currently studying Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of The Arts of Obstetrics in Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Abstract:

Body image is a multidimensional psychological experience involving the mental representations which we create for ourselves yet unnecessarily resemble how others view us. It is subjective, may trigger positive or negative emotions, potentially leading to an avoidant behaviour. Many factors, mainly social media, cultural expectation and gender differences influence one’s body image. In this research, body image is assessed using validated rating scales to identify one’s body esteem in terms of body size and its correlations with his feelings and resultant behaviours among young adults in Malaysia. The rating scales used in this research are Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA) and Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BIAAQ). Participants were presented with the images of 2 models to assess their wish to conform to the social standard of beauty. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Results showed predictably that, BMI is inversely, and age is positively related with BESAA and BIAAQ scores. However, contrary to traditional beliefs, males score a lower mean score than females for both BESAA and BIAAQ. Men also express more desire to achieve an ideal body shape. Coincidentally, the images used showed that women expressed more resistance for heavily advertised skinny. Although shocking, this study is not the first to show such correlation. By analysing these scores, there is an evident cultural and gender shift in the attitudes towards male bodies. Body esteem has either increased among females, or decreased among males.

Biography:

Dr. Papatzikis is an Assistant Professor in Educational Neuroscience. He holds a PhD in Music Psychology from the University of East Anglia, UK, and obtained Bachelor and Master degrees in Music Education from the University for Music and Theater, CODARTS, in the Netherlands.

Abstract:

In order to disentangle the oversimplification effect that occurs in some early developmental settings related to the neuroscience of music and sound, practitioners need to look back at the rudiments of sound processing and coding. In practice we tend to rely on a lot of assumptions or ‘scientific’ shortcuts in relation to how the music and sound perception system works, forgetting the complexity of the whole. As a result, brain related factoids or neuromyths emerge, bringing adjunct educational tools or methodologies at a point where they seem to be not fully equipped to offer a constantly efficient developmental line. This presentation will discuss some key neuromyths emerging from the related to the educational neuroscience of music and sound study and research context, while it will showcase evidence on the structural and functional misconceptions taking place in the interconnected mind, brain and music context.

Biography:

Art O’Malley worked as a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist from 2004 and accredited as an EMDR consultant from 2008 to 2018. He is also trained in sensorimotor psychotherapy and is been a member of the UK and Ireland EMDR association since 2002 and was a member of the European Conference organizing committee for the London Conference and the Child and Adolescent Committee. He presented at their AGMs in Glasgow, Manchester, Dublin and at the European conferences in Paris and London. He is at present, widely into the fields of trauma, neglect and the developing brain, attachment disorders, personality disorders, emotional dysregulation in ADHD and ASD diagnosis and management. He first presented on this model at the ISSTD 28^th Annual conference in Montreal November 2011.

Abstract:

The Art of BART (AOB) is an integrated approach to psychotherapy which incorporates elements of trauma focused cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness and sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP). This workshop initially discusses the connections of the autonomic and peripheral nervous systems. These have changed from early descriptions by John Langley to the paired antagonism theory of Walter Hess to the modern Polyvagal theory of Dr Stephen Porges. The connections of the headbrain, heartbrain and gut brain are explained. The Polyvagal theory is discussed in relation to safe, unsafe and life threatening environments. There are evolutionary links between the human vagus nerve and that of our reptilian-brained ancestors. This is explained schematically by showing the extent of the path of the vagal nerve, which is known as the “wanderer”. The role of the periaqueductal grey matter and neuroception are discussed in relation to traumatic stress. The different aspects of the social engagement system are discussed along with the relationship to cardiac vagal tone. The different types of processing in trauma are explained. This includes the integration of top down and bottom up processing in the brain. I introduce readers to my concept of the quintessential brain, which is an updated version of the triune brain first proposed by Peter McLean. I have developed a model to explain the changed levels of arousal and dissociation secondary to trauma. The use of the acronyms: RAPIDS, WATER and FROZEN are easily understood by patients and clients experiencing these symptoms. The five stages of BART psychotherapy are explained The latest research on the links between the immune and nervous systems are discussed. Finally the implications for treatment of traumatic stress because of the altered wiring of the body’s autonomic nervous system are discussed in relation to some case examples. Future directions for BART Psychotherapy including research are discussed.

Biography:

Marc H Bornstein is Senior Investigator and Head of Child and Family Research at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.  He holds a BA from Columbia College, MS and PhD degrees from Yale University and an honorary doctorate from the University of Padua. He has held faculty positions at Princeton University and New York University as well as academic appointments in Munich, London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Bamenda, Seoul, Trento, Santiago, Bristol, and Oxford. He is President-elect of the SRCD and a past member of the SRCD Governing Council Executive Committee of the ICIS.  He was named to the Top 20 Authors for Productivity in Developmental Science by the AERA.  He has administered both Federal and Foundation grants, sits on the Editorial Boards of several professional journals, and consults for governments, foundations, universities, publishers, scientific journals, the media, and UNICEF.  He is Editor Emeritus of Child Development and founding Editor of Parenting: Science and Practice.

Abstract:

In this talk, I re-count major findings about child growth, care-giving, discipline, housing, and labor from 41 under researched and underserved developing countries around the globe. The data draw from the 2005-2010 round of the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. In addition, I draw implications for advancing child development in each one of these domains.

Biography:

Donald K Warne, MD, MPH, is Chair of the Department of Public Health at North Dakota State University, and he was the Co-Principal Investigator of the South Dakota Health Survey. NDSU offers the only Master of Public Health in the world that offers a specialization in American Indian Public Health. Dr. Warne is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe from Pine Ridge, SD. He received his MD from Stanford University and his Master of Public Health from Harvard University. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2015 Public Health Innovation Award from the National Indian Health Board.

Abstract:

The American Indian (AI) population in the United States suffers from significant health inequities. Death rates from diabetes, cancer, infant mortality, suicide and other causes are higher among AIs. Numerous psychosocial influences have led to unresolved trauma and associated poor health outcomes. The landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study exposed a strong dose-response relationship between the breadth of exposure to childhood abuse or household dysfunction and the risk factors for several leading causes of death in adults. ACEs have since been linked to numerous detrimental health behaviors and poor health outcomes across the lifespan including smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, depression, suicide, and general health-related quality of life. Additional research indicates that some vulnerable populations are more likely to have been exposed to childhood trauma, and populations that lack routine access to health care may face greater impacts from childhood trauma. The South Dakota Health Survey (SDHS) was a statewide health needs assessment survey of over 16,000 households in SD conducted from November 2013 – October 2014 and included over-sampling of AI and rural populations. Measures included screening for behavioral health disorders, ACEs, health service use, self-reported prevalence of several chronic diseases, and barriers to accessing care. We tested for differences among urban, rural, isolated, and AI reservation geographic areas after controlling for age and gender. Results showed significant disparities in ACEs among AIs and significant associations between higher ACE scores and health disparities.

Biography:

Delphine Collin-Vézina is the Director of the McGill centre for research on children and families. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Canada Research Chair in Child Welfare and Associate Professor in the McGill School of Social Work. She has developed a strong interest in research and clinical topics related to child maltreatment, child sexual abuse and trauma. Overall, her research has contributed to an understanding of epidemiological trends in child sexual abuse, of child protection responses to reports of child sexual abuse cases, of trauma-related needs of children and adolescents from different health and social services settings (e.g. youths in out-of-home care) and of trauma-related service provision in child protection agencies and health. She has been the Principal Investigator of several substantial provincial and federal grants and has led and collaborated on significant projects on mental health, family violence and service provision with key organizations in Canada. 

Abstract:

Despite the increasing awareness of the impact of sexual abuse on victims’ health and well-being, this issue has yet to be fully acknowledged as a societal matter that requires extensive prevention and intervention. We hypothesize that this field does not receive full recognition, due in part to a lack of agreement on what should legally and socially be considered under the umbrella term of child and youth sexual abuse. As part of a program of research exploring this issue, we conducted a systematic review of prevalence studies published between 2000 and 2015. Two independent raters coded study variables, focusing on how the dimensions of ‘child and youth’, ‘sexual’ and ‘abuse’ were articulated in each of the definitions. The review yielded 187 studies. Findings confirmed the wide - and concerning - diversity of definitions used throughout studies. The concept of ‘child and youth’ was either implied and vague (‘being a victim before puberty’) or defined as an event that occurred before a specific age that ranged from age 12 to 18. Rarely was the legal age for sexual consent included in the definition. The ‘sexual’ nature of the acts differed tremendously across definitions from specific terms (‘were you exposed to genitals’), to broad account (‘were you sexually abused’). The ‘abusive’ nature of the experiences also varied widely across definitions, including factors such as relationship with perpetrator, age difference between victim and perpetrator, grooming behaviors and victims’ lack of consent. The field of sexual abuse is clearly awaiting a well-agreed upon definition that recognizes the complexity of experiences, yet offers a common language to inform practice, policy and epidemiology research.

Biography:

Catherine Knibbs completed MSc in Child and Adult Integrative Psychotherapy at Newman University in 2016. She has a BSc (Hons.) in Psychology and PG Dip in Psychotherapy. She is a Child trauma Psychotherapist and is accredited and registered with BACP and UKCP. She is CEO and Director of PEER Support Yorkshire CIC and is the only Cyber-trauma researcher, consultant and public speaker

Abstract:

Cyber-trauma is a theoretical integration of child psychotherapy, psychobiology and neuroscience that takes account of the myriad of interactions with cyberspace and the traumas that can result with and from this medium. Specialist areas to be covered are graphic images, cyber-bullying in all formats and sexual issues and/or abuse e.g. CSA/CSE. The research is currently highlighting deficits of knowledge with professionals who work with children and adolescents due to the speed of ever advancing technology. This is a new and emerging field of study and one that takes account of all aspects of screen and electronic sources of connection and abuse. This is synthesized to provide a theory of trauma, abuse, recovery and resilience. This is a must for anyone who cares for, works with a child or anyone with any internet ready device

Biography:

Cathy Street is a founding member of the GIFT Partnership which supports the inovlvement of children and young people in mental health services transformation. GIFT was commissioned by NHS England from 2012-15 to support participation in the Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT) Programme; part of this focused on improving transtion from CAMHS.

Amanda Tuffrey is one of GIFT’s Young Advisors. With  experience of transition from CAMHS, as well as working with GIFT, Amanda was involved in various NICE Guidelines, including the 2016 guidelines on transition for young people using health or social care services. 

Abstract:

Transitional care refers to the co-ordination and continuity of care between different health services and is a process wherein there is planning and preparation for a person leaving one service and being received by another. Transition can happen at any age, however, within the mental health field, a signficant transition point is when young people need to move from services for children and young people to adult services because they have reached the upper age limit of CAMHS. Poor transitional care has been of much concern during the past decade in England and has been a major theme in national government health service reviews and plans to transform services. Despite policies that set out good practice, such as planning, involving young people and their families in decision-making, sharing information and offering periods of parallel joined-up care by CAMHS and adult services, the reality is often very far from this. Young people’s perspectives will be explored in this presentation which will describe various recent research studies and other activities that aim to improve the experience of transition and to address the barriers young people often report in successfully making this service move

Biography:

Abstract:

We all take non-autism to be the most normal state of the world. But it is probably a unique state found only on one planet even if there are millions of places with highly evolved biologies in our galaxy. Non-autism is one of those things which one does not see because it belongs to the set of things that are too close to one's eyes. Darwin taught us to look at biology from a foreign perspective.This look enabled eventually the discovery of the brain equation in a mathematically predictive approach to the necessary properties of brains including a description of what brains are for. Of course, no one needs to follow this approach but the asset is that one can in this context see that brains are not meant to do what we as persons are continually doing with our brains. My mathematical friend Robert Rosen discovered the "principle of function change" - that nonlinear systems can have several different functional regimes with hard bifurcations (switching-type transitions) being possible in between them. The brain is such a nonlinear dynamical system. But the specific way of functioning that we consider normal in society is not an easy-to-trigger state of functioning. Only if a certain condition is fulfilled will this trigger occur almost naturally while remaining the miracle that it represents. The brain is an optimizer, a so-called autonomous optimizer, which solves a certain optimum foraging problem. Eric Charnov has an unpublished 1973 book on it, in the same year in which I presented the brain equation at a meeting on the mathematics of the nervous system in Trieste. This sounds mathematical and is mathematical, but it is also maximally intuitive. The autonomous optimizers that nature predictably selects in "spatial Darwinism" (as the underlying deductive approach is called) are automatically autistic. Some animal brains are quite social - for example in the caring for offspring. But they nonetheless remain remote-controlled by evolution. So the caring shown is unilateral and autistic. Only one animal besides human beings - humankind's best friend - shows the same cross-caring coupling. But wolves and dogs are not mirror-competent. Therefore, a specific "creative misunderstanding" is prevented from occurring in them: the invention-out-of-nothing of the suspicion of being wanted to be happy by the other side. This function change is tantamount to the epigenetic shedding of physiological autism. There is an elaborate laughter-and-smile theory at this point about which a few more words will be said. I believe that they provide a maximally good hope in the causal therapy of childhood autism.

Biography:

Dr. Shaaban has PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Learning Disabilities. Has an intensive expertise in: Educational leadership, Learning Disabilities, Brain Based Learning, Dyslexia, ADHD, and Behavior Management. She founding member and president of the Learning Difficulties Professional Association in Kuwait (LDPA) that was founded on November 2002 in Kuwait and work closely with educators and professionals in the international private schools and psychological centers

Abstract:

ADHD is not a simple hyperactivity, nor a behavior disorder. It is a brain disorder that affects students’ executive functions. Executive functions proved to have a huge impact on memory, awareness of time, being organized, getting started and following direction. Would working memory be a better predictor of academic success than IQ Scores? ARE executive functions the new IQ? What are these skills that ensure school success and impact learning and behavior? How to recognize these skills? How do all these skills enable an individual to effectively create a goal, form a plan, and self-monitor through tasks? In this session, we’ll try to identify how EF deficits are impacting ADHD students’ ability to successfully use classroom learning and what are the accommodations and strategies teachers may use to enhance them

Biography:

Maree Sugai is an Associate Professor, faculty member and researcher at Tohoku University of Community Service and Science (KU) in Japan. She has been teaching in Japan for over twenty years and has published and presented at social science, psychology and behavioral science conferences in America, Canada, London and Japan. Her background is in socio-linguistics and medical anthropology and her thesis was in intercultural communication. Maree’s current research area is in depressive disorders, adolescent psychosis, and acute social withdrawal/hikikomori. Maree has worked as a director on the board of governors of a mental health rehabilitation center in Sendai (where the March, 2011 tsunami and magnitude 9 earthquake occurred). Maree has held this position in Japan for fifteen years; assisting in rehabilitation activities for families who have lost members to suicide and for those who have suffered severe trauma, or are severely depressed or psychotic. Maree is also Vice Director of the International Global Exchange Center for University student exchange programs in rural Japan.

Abstract:

Presentation identifies areas of disparity in the treatment available and types of treatment most widely used for depressive disorders in urban and rural Japan. The original paper focused on acute social withdrawal (ASW) hikikomori, as it presents culture-specifically, and examined the socio-economic and cultural constructs that the author claims contribute to the specific manifestation and the lengthy average duration of ASW in Japan, which is 3 years and 3 months. The paper investigated the social work and community interventions currently available for depressed people in Japan. The comparison between urban and rural treatment for ASW included qualitative research conducted among families and recovering people in two contrasting social environments and points to the differences in outcome for hikikomori youth in rural Japan compared with those in Tokyo. The paper highlights the strong need for family inclusion in health care for ASW sufferers, and illuminates the private pain and social stigma that the families of hikikomori sufferers experience in the context of their urban or rural socio-cultural circumstances.

Biography:

Emmanuelle O’Grady is a Senior Clinical Psychologist for 13 years specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychology. She has worked in countries like the France, the USA, Ireland and is presently based in Singapore for the last 3 years, where she works a Senior clinical Psychologist in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She works mainly with children and adolescents in the outpatient and inpatient Pediatric services. As a clinical Psychologist in Singapore, she has been developing or initiating programs in Psychodermatology and Psychosomatic medicine

Abstract:

Introduction: Psychological distress causes the brain to unconsciously disable or impair bodily functions, which serve to relieve patients’ anxiety. Often children are hospitalized in KK Hospital and referred to Clinical Psychologists for severe complaints of a Somatoform nature.

Discussion: Patients’ bodily pains have no organic explanations following medical examination and hospitalization reinforces the psychosomatic pattern as children and their families regularly present to Children’s Emergency for acute bodily pains. Research has shown that group interventions are effective in facilitating changes especially if parents are involved in the treatment plan.

Method: KK Hospital Psychology Service piloted children and adolescents groups in June 2015 and December 2015, each group program being constituted of three group sessions for children only and one session exclusively for parents, using psycho-educational games, CBT techniques and relaxation. Outcome measures, such as anxiety scales and CGAS (Children’s Global Assessment Scale), will be administrated to evaluate the effectiveness of the group program.

Results: We believe that conducting a friendly and educative group program will reduce re-hospitalization of these children and will become a more effective intervention for children with psychosomatic illness. An informative flyer will be created to educate patients about somatoform symptoms and illnesses and to facilitate doctors’ communication with patients presenting with somatoform disorders in Emergency Department or on the wards. Similar group interventions will be offered regularly in KK Hospital during children’s holidays.

Biography:

Fantinati Mara has completed the Master’s degree from Bologna University of Psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy studies from StudiCognitivi Psychotherapy Training Institute and Research Center. She leads group of cognitive psychotherapy at the Villa Igea Psychiatric Hospital in Modena. She has perfected the study of trauma and dissociation at the Trauma Unit (Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London-UK) and at the Center for Behavior Research and Therapy (DABATEM, Istanbul-TR). She is member of Trauma Research Group at StudiCognitivi

Abstract:

Domestic violence can cause irreparable damage to the growth of a child. The presentation of a single case treated with EMDR aims to observe the impairment of cognitive and social functions in an eight-year old child following his mother’s murder at the hands of her former companion and the impact of cognitive restructuring and the reacquisition of confidence in him/herself and in others following the intervention with an EMDR protocol. The study made use of diagnostic assessment tests administered to either the father (Questionnaire on Child Behavior 6-18 CBCL) or the child, aimed at investigating the cognitive (Raven Matrices CPM-47 Colored) emotional (Scale assessment of the Depressive States SVSD, Children’s Depression Inventory CDI, SAFA, Test of Emotion Comprehension TEC) and dissociative areas concerning the impact of the trauma (Revised Child impact of Event ScaleCRIES-13, Adolescent dissociative Experience Scale a-DES 1.0). The psychotherapeutic treatment focused on the use of an EMDR protocol avoided a block in the child’s development and effectively outlined the strengthening of the personal and social skills required by the child to work through the trauma and cope with growing up

Biography:

Rajajeyakumar M, MBBS, MD (Physiology), MSc Yoga, CCEBDM (PHFI), PhD, has completed his MD Physiology, (2006-2009) at (JIPMER- An Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India). He worked as Research Assistant (2009-2012) in Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education & Research Lab and JIPMER. He has published more than 28 papers in reputed national & international journals. He is serving as an expert reviewer (>22) and Editorial Board Member (>20) in many national and international journals. He was selected as chairperson for 12^th and 13^th Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference-3^rd and 4^th International Conference on Faculty Development in the Health Professions, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, Singapore 2015 & 16. His diabetic research paper was accepted for presentation in World Diabetes Congress Dec-2015, Vancouver, Canada, organized by the International Diabetes Federation. He is also appointed as one of the Advisory Council members of Pure Action; Yoga is Medicine, Austin, TX 78703.

Abstract:

Many Indian women suffer from poor body image and low self-confidence. Wearing makeup is something they can do to quickly and temporarily change their appearance, thus increasing confidence. The majority of research on women and their self-esteem have historically been related to how they feel about their body shape and size. However, not much attention has been given to a particular action women can take to improve their self-confidence applying cosmetics. Using different products and colors, women can use makeup to explore and portray their own individuality. Women of teenage in specific appearance practice to distinguish between day and nightlooks, basiclooks and looks for special occasions. They are often seen as a way to enhance feminine beauty ideals and serve to help women to conform to our society’s beauty expectations. Vary with regard to body size, skin complexion, hair length and color and the use of adornments. Many women may wear makeup with the belief that it will positively affect their level of physical attractiveness. Makeup holds the possibility for a woman to personally transform herself, resulting in an increase in self-confidence. A girl’s initial experimentation with cosmetics is in early adolescence towards developing a feminine identity. Cosmetics are often a tool used for social self-presentation and self-image management. Adolescent and college-age girls wearing make-up is partly due to their concern for their complexion and how they feel about themselves when others look at their blemished skin. Such use of facial cosmetics may help to boost a woman’s sense of confidence in her appearance, thus making her more self-assured idea that confidence is achieved when physical appearance matches the situation.

Biography:

Michelle L Benstead is currently completing her PhD at Deakin University School of Psychology, Melbourne Australia. She was awarded a Youth Mental Health PhD Scholarship through Australian Rotary Health/Motto Fashions Rotary Club of Richmond. Her research interests center around child development and mental health, with a focus on attachment, reflective function and family interactions. She is currently in the process of writing up papers associated with her research and has co-authored papers

Abstract:

Emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are pervasive disorders that have roots in early life. While emotional disorders are more prevalent in adolescence, research indicates that symptoms present much earlier. Identifying early modifiable risk factors provides a window of opportunity for intervention that is currently largely overlooked. Despite strong evidence demonstrating highly co-morbid symptoms, interventions have often treated anxiety and depression in isolation. The current intervention addresses the need for trans-diagnostic interventions for treatment and prevention of emotional disorders in children. BEST-Foundations have been developed to target modifiable risk factors associated with emotional disordered symptomology in children aged 3-11 years. The intervention includes all family members and is designed to address three aims: to improve symptoms of emotional disorders in children; to increase parental confidence and knowledge; and to improve overall family functioning. The 10-session intervention draws on theoretical principles of attachment theory and family systems, includes components of psycho-education, and builds on the empirically-supported BEST program. BEST-Foundations is currently being piloted and will employ a mixed method study design to analyze data. A case-series analysis will be employed to assess change over time, as well as within and between participant comparisons. Qualitative methods will be utilized to gain insight into the participants’ experience and meaning of the intervention, and researchers’ observations of participants’ interactions. Preliminary results appear promising, and a larger randomized control trial is planned post-pilot, to determine efficacy.

Biography:

Begum ENGUR has completed her BSc Psychology degree in Istanbul, at Istanbul Bilgi University with high honor. During the undergraduate years, she did volunteer works/internships in various CAMHS (child adolescent mental health service) settings. In addition to the works, she completed several trainings, earned certificates from institutions worldwide in the same area of interest. After completing BSc degree, she completed her MSc Child Adolescent Mental Health at King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. During the MSc, she completed her 1 year clinical placement as a trainee psychologist at South London and Maudsley NHS-Conduct, Adoption and Fostering Team. There, she worked with adopted/fostered children having emotional, behavioral difficulties, anxiety disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, attachment disorders, traumatic stress and both got trained and worked on parenting intervention.

Abstract:

Individual-based parent training programs or parenting interventions are recommended in children portraying behavioral difficulties/challenging behaviors, especially in conduct disorder; where there are particular difficulties in engaging with the parents or a family`s needs are too complex. The PIPT intervention, which is based on Social Learning Theory, primarily aims children between 3-8 years old and it is designed to promote positive child-parent relationships, to improve pro-social behavior and to reduce undesirable behavior. In this particular program, parents identify own treatment goals and the intervention includes modeling, role play and home practice. Moreover, it is delivered in 6-8 sessions and the structure of sessions consists of review, introducing new skills, live coaching, feedbacks and home practice (homework). The parent training/intervention is done in 2 phases; Phase 1 includes attending, praise/rewards and selective ignoring where Phase 2 includes calm/clear instructions, natural/logical consequences and time-out. In brief, this parenting intervention, within the other various evidence-based parenting interventions is effective with children and young people having difficulties and especially their relationships with parents or care givers. On the other hand, the parenting techniques used/coached in PIPT can be useful and effective in every parent-child relationship in order to create healthy, positive and nurturing bond

Biography:

Ravimal Galappaththi is both a Freelance Psychiatrist and a General practitioner, working closely with Families and Children affected by Intimate partner Violence. He has worked in many child and adolescent mental health posts, across UK, Australia and Sri Lanka. He gained his MBBS and a post graduate MD from University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and further completed specialist training in United Kingdom gaining MRCPsych.  He also holds a Diploma in Strategic Psychotherapy and currently a post graduate student in International Health Policy in London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).  His academic interests spans from psychological distress of children among couples with mental illness, IPV and psychological effects of children, among women leaving Sri Lanka, for International Labour Market (ILM). He would also like to explore the use of social and cultural capital in child development

Abstract:

Introduction IPV is a major public health challenge in Sri Lanka. It can trigger mental illness in vulnerable and mental illness can result in IPV. Studies on association of mental illness and IPV are scarce in Sri Lankan and South East Asian settings. Purpose Identify association of Mental Illness and IPV in Sri Lankan setting. Methods Survey Analysis of heath records of Gender Based Violence Unit (GBV) at NIMH, Angoda. Two independent medical and nursing reviewers analysed all referrals since the inception of the unit in 2012. Results Total of 853 clients referred showed 45.6% had an ICD/DSM diagnosis of mental illness, out of which 32% had unipolar depression, 15.9% schizophrenia, 13.8% bipolar illness, 10% substance use disorders, 5.9% neurosis/PTSD, 6.9% delusional dis. jealous type, 6.9% adjustment dis, 2, 5% post natal MI and 2.5% personality disorders respectively. 50.9% did not have a mental illness as per ICD/DSM criteria. 3.3% of the records could not be analysed effectively. Conclusions IPV shows a significant association with major mental illnesses. Therefore, health professionals play a key role in addressing IPV in this population Research Practice or Policy Implications Further studies are required to identify effective methods to intervene IPV in mentally ill population. It is also imperative to look in to how IPV would respond to effective treatment of mental illness. Policy should expand to allocate funding and establishment of GBV services in Sri Lankan health sector as a response to this emerging challenge.

Biography:

Tan Jiaxuan is a senior occupational therapist practicing in the National University Hospital Singapore. Her clinical experience includes working with children with the complex medical, developmental and physical conditions. In addition to her clinical expertise, she is the team leader for the Special Education Project for children with special needs in Medan, Indonesia.She is focused on a parent-therapist collaboration using a client centered approach, as the consistent support from home/school is very important in a child’s progress. She has also presented in conferences which include the Perinatal Mental Health Conference (Marce Society), Public Health Conference, National Occupational Therapy Conference

Abstract:

Introduction: Research has shown that children with special needs have challenges with socialization and self-esteem. To support the child’s development, pediatric occupational therapists in National University Hospital System (NUHS) Singapore conducted self-esteem groups.

 Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of occupational therapy self-esteem group conducted for adolescents.

 Methods: A pre-post intervention design was used. Data was collected via a 24-question self-rated 3-scaled questionnaire on self-esteem, adapted from talk about relationships. 15 children were recruited. 2 runs of 5 group sessions and 1 individual review session (1 month post intervention) were conducted. Qualitative feedback was gathered through open-ended questionnaires.

 Results: 15 children completed all pre and post-intervention measure, 60% shown an improvement in self-esteem scores, 6.67% displayed no change, 33.33% shown a decrease in self-esteem scores. Further analysis revealed a negative correlation (R2= 0.414, p<0.05) between the decreased in post-intervention self-esteem scores with the increase in age of children who are 12 years 6 months and above. Awareness of self-esteem issues for the older children could likely cause them to rate their self-esteem lower after the intervention. Qualitative feedback gathered that children are keen to maintain the friendship. Parents reported an increase in confidence level for the children and suggested future booster sessions.

 Conclusion: Findings supported the implementation of the self-esteem group with positive outcomes. Social relationships were developed and maintained with the scaffolding of interaction facilitated during the group. Future research should examine the prospects for generalization and maintenance of the relationships formed during the group.

Biography:

Abstract:

College students in committed relationships experience greater well-being than single college students. Although the relationship between spousal status and well-being has received substantial thinking, minor thoughtfulness has been given to the possible benefits of other bound relationships. Many persons experience this fluctuating period from adolescence to adulthood in the background of college. The personalized and contextual changes that occur throughout college push to the forefront a number of behaviors that can increase risk for negative physical and mental health outcomes. Addiction is associated with negative consequences including academic barrier, health and psychosocial problems, high-risk sexual behavior. College students in committed inter relationships experience less health problems than single college students engage in uncommon risky behaviors and that their level of contract in risky behavior mediates the association between relationship status and health. Perhaps the pettiest explanation is that they simply have less time to devote to risky behaviors. Another possibility is that obsession behavior is unable to keep the relationship around and is thus more likely to be single. We cannot rule out the possibility that individuals who have poor physical and mental health commit in more risky style and thus do not enter or stay in committed relationships. Recent research suggests that relationship status continues to account for different variance in well-being even when controlling for relationship satisfaction. We recommend that longitudinal from a nationally representative sample to examine the relationship among psychological wellbeing, relationship quality, and relationship status. In In summary, risky behavior could act as a mechanism that explains a great deal of diversion in the physical and mental health of college students.

Biography:

Samir Parikh is a Consultant Psychiatrist and the Director of Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Healthcare. He has done his graduation (MBBS) and Post-graduation (DPM and MD-Psychiatry) from Civil hospital Ahmedabad. He is leading the largest team of Mental Health Professionals in the private sector in India offering comprehensive services in mental health and various academic programs and community, school and corporate sector mental health programs are conducted. He is a very renowned speaker at national and international forums on mental health issues. He has played a key role in enhancing the image of mental health in the country

Abstract:

The influence of peers is known to play an especially significant role during the phase of adolescence. The concept of gender sensitivity begins to be internalized at an early age, which subsequently develops based on the gender stereotypes and the gender role ideologies vicariously inculcated from one’s peers. This paper is based on the premise that children and adolescents tend to be highly receptive to training from their peers. Given the significance attached to the role of peer influence, this paper uses an example of a unique platform wherein, adolescents who are trained in gender sensitivity skills through intensive and interactive workshops, subsequently serve as Pro-social Peer Moderators and become role models for their peers, to propagate gender sensitivity amongst them. As the findings demonstrate the significance of the role of peer moderators, the paper also serves as a foundation for further research in the direction of promoting gender sensitivity as a skill that could empower adolescents with the ability to think critically in order to challenge widely held stereotypes and to foster positive attitudes and empathy towards others. Further, the potential implications towards developing such models of peer influence to propagate life skills amongst adolescents are indicated.