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.