Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Karachi in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston USA organized a 4-day Workshop on “Recent Trends in Child Psychiatry” recently at Dow Medical College, Karachi
The Course Director of the Workshop was Dr. Qazi Irshad Ahmed, Chairperson, Department of Psychiatry, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. Dr Ayesha Irshad Mian, Assistant Professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry; Baylor College of Medicine was the Guest Facilitator, whereas Prof. Dr. Haroon Rashid Chaudhry, Pakistan Psychiatric Society was the Chief Guest on this occasion.
The first day began with the welcome address by Dr. Qazi Irshad Ahmed in which he emphasized on the need for focusing on child psychiatry – a significant element of Psychiatry in Pakistan which is still neglected. He said that the purpose of organizing this workshop was to create awareness amongst the students, medical professionals and psychiatrists regarding the childhood psychiatric problems. He also said that this workshop will be a milestone in helping in the exchange of knowledge and expertise and also in the establishment of a child psychiatry unit in Pakistan.
Prof. Haroon Rashid in his remarks appreciated the efforts of Dow University of Health Sciences in imparting high standard education and training to all cadres of health professionals.
The scientific session began with a presentation by Dr. Ayesha Serwat, Dept of Psychiatry, DUHS who spoke on the “State of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in Pakistan”. She said that Child psychiatry in Pakistan is in evolutionary phase. According to WHO, children aged < 15 years constituted 28.3% of total world population in 2005.
In Pakistan 39% of total population ranges from 0-14 years (169 million). There are total 300 psychiatrists, 125 psychiatry nurses and 600 mental healthcare social workers. Out of the total health care budget about 0.4% is being allocated to mental health. She emphasized the need for creating awareness about child psychiatry in the country. She also made several recommendations for improving the state of Child Psychiatry in the country.
Dr. Ayesha Irshad Mian, Asst Prof, Baylor College of Medicine, USA in her presentation titled “Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? said that ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8 to 10% of school-age children. In the world, 10% of children have a psychiatric illness that is medication responsive. Talking about ADHD she said that is not a benign disorder. Studies indicate that less than half of those with disorder are receiving treatment. She then discussed the causes, symptoms, risk factors, effects, assessment and treatment in detail.
The presentations were followed by the video conferencing session with Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Treadwell-Deering, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine Chief of Psychiatry and Psychology Service; Chief, Clinic for Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders; Chief, Pedicatric Psychopharmacology Clinic, briefly spoke on Autism. She said that it is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Dr. Dana Kober of Baylor College of Medicine delivered her lecture on “Medical Workup of Autism”. She briefly explained different Autism related syndromes. Their presentations were followed by a question and answer session.
Vice Chancellor DUHS, Prof. Masood Hameed Khan in his address on this occasion suggested that school teachers be trained in recognizing childhood psychiatric disorders. He said that DUHS will soon be initiating activities for parents and educators to help develop the speech and language of children. DUHS will also provide training to children of rural areas and school teachers.
The second day consisted of a presentation by Dr Ayesha Mian on “Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents”. The objectives of her talk were to Identify core symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Appreciate the symptom overlap with other pediatric mental health conditions List the psychotropic medications indicated for treatment of bipolar disorder Identify resources for parents of children with bipolar Disorder
The second presentation on “Psychological Aspects of Child Abuse” by Prof Aisha Mehnaz, Dept of Pediatrics, DUHS began with a case scenario followed by a discussion on child abuse and its types, psychological effects of child abuse at different ages and problems in the management of child abuse. Presentations were followed by a question and answer session. The third day of the workshop was dedicated to pediatric residents. Dr Ayesha Mian discussed the Assessment methods in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. She had an interactive session on how to Assess children and adolescents for common mental health disorders Identify common mental disorders in children and adolescents Assess contextual strengths and weaknesses in children and adolescents with mental health disorders.
On the last day Dr. Ayesha Mian held a meeting with the members of the Psychiatry Dept, DUHS on various issues including the establishment of a child psychiatry unit at Civil Hospital Karachi, the initiation of short course and research projects in the field of child psychiatry. This workshop was attended and appreciated by psychiatrists, faculty members, residents, house officers and Heads of the Psychiatric departments of major teaching hospitals of Karachi.