Biography:

Cyriac Mathew is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist with more than 30 years of clinical experience. He was awarded MD in Psychiatry by Dr. MGR Medical University, India, in 1997, and received the Fellowship of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, in 2007. Currently, he is the Clinical Director of Newcastle Mental Health Service and Conjoint Senior Lecturer, University of Newcastle. He is actively involved in the training and supervision of Undergraduate Medical Students, Post-graduate Trainees in Psychiatry in addition to the teaching of Allied Health Staffs.

Abstract:

Empathy is the sensitive capacity to understand other’s thoughts, feelings and struggles through that person’s perspective. Clinician’s ability to demonstrate empathy during their encounter with the clients is the cornerstone of building rapport. Strong relationship between clinician and clients is probably the most important factor in bringing behavioral change and better adherence to treatment. Empathy facilitates patient recovery and clinician satisfaction. Everybody working in health industry should be taught and trained to practice empathy. However, empathy is not part of the medical or allied health curriculum in most countries. The presenter will explain the concept of empathy in detail with the help of several short videos. At the end of the presentation, the listener will be able to understand the importance of empathy and learn basic skills to practice empathy in the routine clinical work

Biography:

Salema Veliu has returned to the University of Cambridge as a mature student after 15 years of teaching Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Philosophy and Meditation around the world. She has graduated twice with an Undergraduate Diploma in Coaching (Psychology) and Undergraduate Certificate in Experimental Cognitive Psychology, and also completing additional studies in Molecular and Behavioral Mechanisms of Stress and the Science of Mindfulness. In addition, she has also undertaken studies with the University of Birmingham (a Foundation in Neurobiology), University College London (in Dementia), and a 6-month study period at the University of London/Birkbeck (in Biopsychology), Evolutionary and Social Psychology, Research methods, AI + Robotics. She is a Member of the Coaching Alumni at Cambridge. She has coached on the Queens Leaders Program and regular Guest Lectures on the Undergraduate Program for coaching at the Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge. She is a Student Affiliate Member of the American Psychological Association and a Member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. Her work has been featured in various blogs and publications including “Psychologies” magazine and women’s health and fitness and has been featured on BBC Radio as well “Guest Hosting” a monthly health and fitness show on a local London Radio Station.

Abstract:

The author has a rich and diverse background of successfully teaching innovative well-being classes, retreats and training as well as coaching and mentoring others around transition and change socially and economically, using innovative thinking and research from the fields of neuroscience and human psychology to develop strategies and alternative approaches to move with the time in human connection and performance. She has been committed to creating content + experiences that educate, inspire and invite people to question how they understand and navigate the world. Devoting the last decade to intensive studies human sciences to cultivate a deep understanding of how the brain produces movement and how movement affects everything we do. She brings a deep expertise in engaging with people of all ages and stages of life not only in person but also via social media and other virtue channels. Continuing to present her vision to create an evolving educational consultancy along with programs that looks at self-development and adaptability to promote psychological flexibility and physical well-being from different perspectives, where holistic approaches meet scientific. Her innovative approach has been born out of her in the form of three passions: science, movement and behavior using innovative research alongside futuristic trends as different markers to address and build mental + physical awareness, resilience, by looking at early markers in behavior that can be used to raise awareness to potential mental health issues. This is done by providing and using foundational brain concepts along with noticing practices + meditations that can provide benefits neurologically and biologically for the brain, mind and body backed by empirical research. Explore the science of compassion, well-being, and human connection as a way to promote mindful and sustainable leadership, performance and adaptability personally and professionally to achieve beneficial work-life balance. Moving with the time, she also brings a committed interest in studying human psychology and behavioral change strengthened by her intellectual curiosity. Grounded in academic and real-world learning to provide the foundation for the next generation of ideas, development, and implementation

Biography:

Jayasree Lakshmi is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Psychologist in the PG Department of Psychology in Jain University, Bengaluru, India. She has completed her PhD and MPhil Degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Department of Clinical Psychology at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. She has industrial experience (Cadabams Hospitals, Bengaluru) as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. Her areas of interest include ethics in psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, metacognitive therapy and mindfulness based approaches to treating clinical conditions. She has national and international publications to her credit. She has been a resource person for various workshops on cognitive behaviour therapy and its applications.

Abstract:

Introduction: Attrition is a common phenomenon encountered in outpatient services and clinical trials. Identification of factors associated with attrition may help participants reach optimal improvement and prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with attrition in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on metacognitive therapy (MCT) versus applied relaxation (AR) for social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Method: The sample comprised of individuals with SAD classified as completers (n=37) and non-completers (n=13). They were compared on sociodemographic and clinical variables, psychiatric comorbidity and pre-treatment scores on measures such as Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale-Clinician Assessment (LSAS-CA) and Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation (BFNE).

Results: Results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between completers and non-completers on sociodemographic and clinical variables except the status of medication (presence or absence). Majority of non-completers (54%) were not on medication. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of completers were on medication whereas as only 46% of non-completers were on medication. They were comparable on axis I and axis II psychiatric comorbidity at baseline and on all pre-treatment scores on outcome measures except on LSAS-CA and BFNE. In comparison with non-completers, completers had higher level of social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation.

Discussion: Higher severity of social anxiety symptoms among completers might have motivated them to attend sessions regularly. In the setting where study was conducted, pharmacological management for SAD versus cognitive behavioural interventions is determined based on clinical judgment regarding severity of illness and functional impairment. The reason for discontinuation by those who were not on medication may be due to the relatively less impact of social anxiety symptoms on functioning.

Conclusion: The severity of social anxiety and its impact on functioning may play important role in attrition in RCTs.

Biography:

Dr. Mohamed Alnor is a psychiatrist, and molecular medicine physician, trained and working in Sudan. He is the head department of psychiatry at Sudan International University, and assisted professor (fellow) at the University of Khartoum. Mr. Alnor is concerned by disability due to psychiatric disorders, mainly Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease, and he is interested in their molecular bases, as a model for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. He is a member of the Sudanese neuro-genetic Society, and he recently joints the international society of psychiatry genetic.

Abstract:

Background: Bipolar disorder is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses worldwide, starting at the productive age and lasting long journey with chronic devastating disability. A literature gap was noticed regarding information about Sudanese patients’ outcome.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the overall level of disability caused by the disorder among Sudanese patients and to identify the burden on the specific domains of the psychosocial life and study some associated factors that may have a certain relation to the outcome.

Methodology: A cross-sectional assessment of 201 attendees at Taha Baasher's and Eltigani Elmahi Psychiatric Hospitals was carried out in November, 2015. Based on the International Classification of Diseases-10 and the Diagnostic Statistical Manual–IV, patients who were diagnosed with bipolar disorder signed a written consent for participation. Psychiatry treating teams identified the patients' diagnoses, their clinical status (on episode, partial or full remission) and the full duration of the disorder. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0.) 36-item interviewer-administered questionnaire which has a part for background information assessment besides the six domains studying was applied by well-trained psychologists.

Results: The obtained demographic information revealed that females were predominant in the study (55.7%) with mean age and standard deviation (SD) 36.8 (12.1), while the mean age and SD for the males was 34.9 (14.1). Most of the patients were single (46.4%), one-third of them either never went to school or they spent upto four years in study. The majority were homemakers (housewives) (31.5%). WHODAS 2.0. mean score and the standard deviation was 24.4 (18.0) for patients without work and 25.6 (17.7) for those with work. The mean and standard deviation for the six domains were as follow: cognition 26.0 (24.8), mobility 22.7 (23.7), self-care 15.6 (21.0), getting along 21.0 (24.6), household activities 25.8 (29.2), work or school activities 21.7 (23.7) and participation 29.3 (21.6).There were significant statistical associations between patient’s sex, work, marital status, chronicity and the specific functioning domains.

Conclusions: Sudanese with bipolar disorder were found to have a significant level of disability. Participation and cognition were the most affected domains. Several associated factors need to be longitudinally studied.

Biography:

Khaleel Isa is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Child and Adolescent Trauma Specialist. He has served communities with vulnerable children, adolescents, and adults in urban conflict and/or refugee/IDP war torn settings since completing his Post-doctoral Fellowship in 2003. His technical insight and clinical principals come from over a decade of experience in the art of psychotherapy, designing programs and training staff for effective relief outcomes in USA, Africa and Middle East. He worked recently as a MHPSS Consultant Expert Strategist in Somalia-wide IOM GBV and health programs in the spring of 2018. He has years of experience as a Mental Health Coordinator in both Turkey and Palestine for International NGOs, have led him to develop expertise on the mental health and the impact of war, displacement and risks for exploitation on children and adolescents. 

Abstract:

The priority in any international crisis when working as a humanitarian psychologist is to promote an atmosphere of safety and trust in the most insecure of environments. This requires both a solid clinical background and therapeutic framework to handle the unforeseen as they arise. Exposure to mental health risk are a reality for young girls and boys who have been dealt a harsh blow to their daily lives due to war and or impact of being displaced and separated from their families. Although not all children who face such difficult contexts require mental health care, resiliency can also have a short leash to the realities that they may face if not given appropriate emotional or community support. The overall high risks which come with family separation in war context, often can lead to children being vulnerable to adult predators to manipulate the child or adolescent to engage in unsafe and emotionally unhealthy behaviors. Although resiliency does occur with each individual child differently, this type of exposure can always have predicting effects to the seed of the child’s future emotional wellness. Humanitarian institutions working in such difficult emergency context often are not prepared or trained to support the emotional wellness for a vulnerable child and youth whom experience such abuse. The lack of the training on empathic intervention response is a missing variable for humanitarian institutions working with children and adolescents in dire need. Therefore, the importance for the hiring a trained psychologist within these organizations is crucial if managers and the field workers want to seriously reflect and actively address the psychosocial and mental health challenges in the field.

Biography:

Gabriela Topa is a Faculty of Psychology at National University of Distance Education, Spain. Her teaching activities include research in Psychology, in training of teachers of Baccalaureate and ESO in Prevention of Occupational Hazards.

Abstract:

A consistent pattern of gender differences in retirement planning behaviors has been shown and recent studies do not indicate a more favorable situation for women. The present research is aimed to analyze the antecedents of the behaviors to prepare for retirement in nurses older than 55 years and to identify differences as a function of gender in such behaviors, a two-wave panel study was used. Participants were 132 Spanish nurses aged 55 years and over. Findings showed that retirement planning involvement, goals clarity and financial knowledge, all influence the dimensions of planning in the hypothesized direction. Female nurses continue to rely on the public protection as a solid support for their well-being in old age.

Biography:

Alison Dillon completed her Undergraduate degree in Law, a Post-graduate degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She hopes to pursue a career as a Clinical Psychologist and currently works as an Assistant Psychologist at the Irish Health Service. She has published research paper on the use of smartphone applications for the reduction of anxiety in Frontiers in Psychology and has presented at the Psychological Society of Ireland’s Annual Conference. She recently conducted a systematic review of doctors’ knowledge of autism worldwide and presented this research at the Annual Autism Conference in Miami, Florida.

Abstract:

Given the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the importance of early intervention, it is imperative that primary care physicians (PCPs) have a thorough knowledge of ASD in order to offer families appropriate guidance and supports. This study comprised a systematic review of research assessing PCPs’ knowledge of autism symptoms and evidence based interventions for persons with autism. Results indicated the majority of PCPs had inadequate knowledge of ASD and its associated treatments. Collected data indicated that a variety of variables were associated with PCPs’ knowledge including prior education, location, an interest in ASD, the focus of residency training, continuation of ASD education and rate of ASD cases encountered. Results are discussed with regards to their implications for further education in ASD research and training for PCPs.

Biography:

Hong T P Huynh is a PhD Fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia. She holds a Senior Lecturer Position at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy-Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Abstract:

Background: The complexities of nursing practice are often obscured in the endeavors to construct a generic definition of nursing. The process of the construction of nursing practice and associated contextual factors, however, ensures considerable variation in nursing work within and across nations. Nursing practice is better understood as constructed by nurses as social actors who perform roles that are negotiated and mediated within context.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to explore the decision making processes of Vietnamese Registered Nurses (RNs) in a clinical environment to gain insight into both the construction of nursing practice within that context and the broader implications for nursing in Vietnam.

Methods: The research was grounded in the broad pragmatist tradition. The methods were informed by the works of Charmaz. The purposeful sample constituted 29 RNs who worked across eight departments of a major hospital in Vietnam. Periods of observations and individual semi-structured interviews were the methods of data generation. Data analysis involved a systematic abstraction of theoretical concepts.

Results: Two conceptualizations developed in the analytical process reflected both agency and structure as important dimensions of nursing practice in Vietnam. Nurses as social actors were constantly engaged in a process of negotiation and renegotiation to sustain some sense of shared order in their practice. Yet, the shared order of practice was constantly disrupted as medical doctors, family members and the managerial hierarchy posed varying demands as they moved in and out of the space of nurses. The concept of space was thus significant in depicting where and when nurses could practice autonomously. Autonomous nursing practice was directly related to the physical positioning and interrelationships between all social actors in the research situation.

Biography:

Speaker 1: Diamond Bracey is currently pursuing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Bowie State University. She has earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from University of Maryland at College Park and a second Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology also from Bowie State University. With a focus on the cutting edge of therapy, her research focuses on the attitudes regarding e-counseling in the African American Community. Her other papers and presentations are on African psychology, person-centered psychology, eating disorders and women of color, therapy for first nation peoples and Latinos, opioid use disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, binge eating disorder, and online counseling in couples’ therapy.

Speaker 2: Kyndall Peele is an avid scholar who is pursuing her second Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Bowie State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications and Cultural Studies from East Carolina University in North Carolina and her initial Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. She is currently researching and presenting Adlerian techniques that can be used with Millennials, aspects of multicultural counseling that aide in the decreasing symptoms of PTSD and anxiety with war refugees, and trauma/stress experienced by first year minority college students. She currently hosts an online self-care workshop through social media avenues such as instagram and facebook. She is a Writer and Contributor to the online minority mental health network, “What’s Your Issue Cuz?” She aspires to become a Global Clinical Psychologist who will work with war refugees and those with traumatic brain injuries. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Abstract:

Are there new disorders on the horizon, like iDisorder or facebook depression? What about FOMO (fear of missing out) and perceptual loneliness? Are symptoms of currently recognized disorders exacerbated by use and/or type of social media platform? What behaviors do clients exhibit? When do they become clinical? What does research say about current interventions? What theories undergird current techniques and therapies in the clinical and school settings? What about assessments? Is there a new form of theoretical approaches, techniques and therapies, technology, and assessments? Social media and your client: what every clinician should know will attempt to answer all of the above in a single oral presentation. It is not an ethics presentation but, a practical guide and distiller of the asset information researchers have uncovered recently about how social media impacts your clients; and what it means for psychologists and psychotherapists. This workshop will educate therapists on what they should know about social media, symptomology they should be aware of, the process of follow up, and suggested treatment planning. The goals are to dispel the myths surrounding psychiatric disorders perpetuated by social media and to encourage further research in the area of social media and their effect on psychiatric disorders.

Biography:

Bob Reese has completed his PhD. He is a Professor of Psychology at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, VA. He is currently engaged in research projects on the recovery processes from addiction at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (VTCRI). As part of Dr. Warren Bickel’s Addiction Recovery Research Center (ARRC) research team, he was instrumental in helping to create and launch the International Quit and Recovery Registry (IQRR), a novel approach that employs crowd-sourcing technology to establish, maintain, and grow an unprecedented database on the process of recovery. He is the author of “The 13^th Step: Thriving in Recovery” (AuthorHouse, 2017), (DrBobReese.com).

Abstract:

While addiction itself has been widely studied, the process of recovery from addiction has received little attention from the science of psychology. Because, recovery from addiction is a chronic process, it becomes essential to understand the process of recovery and the characteristics of individuals who are successful in recovery maintenance. To help bridge this gap in knowledge, the International Quit and Recovery Registry (IQRR) was developed in 2011 and recruit participants in all phases of addiction recovery. Currently, the IQRR has thousands of registrants from more than 42 countries. After becoming website members, registrants have access to online monthly psychometric assessments. Along with demographics, each assessment asks about recent relapse and includes measures and tasks aimed at understanding the characteristics of people in recovery. Thriving in recovery is informed by examining by three positive psychology assessments included in the IQRR psychometric battery: The Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Grit Scale (GRIT), which is a measure of perseverance and commitment to long-term goals. These current results are discussed along with positive psychology interventions that enhance these attributes. Additionally, neuroscientific research provides evidence that addiction is a disease of the brain; that relapses is part of the recovery process; and that a brain in recovery can heal and grow positively due to neuroplasticity. This video presentation provides fundamental information regarding neuroscience in the process of recovery and a method of developing self-directed neuroplasticity.

Biography:

Margaret Reece, BA Hons is passionate about helping people with C-PTSD to overcome their struggles. Through her life-time experiences of C-PTSD and the research of leading trauma experts, she aims to narrow the gap between therapist and client. A childhood, devoid of any predictable adult attachment figure, plus cumulative trauma, led to both emotions and thought processes shutting down. She was hospitalised, aged 19, for circa four years, given 30-40 ECTs, insulin therapy and medication; no success. She divorced herself from professional help to avoid life-time institutionalisation. In her sixties, she sought professional help; she had been misdiagnosed, aged 19, with what would now be known as schizo-affective disorder, and inappropriate treatment given. Two further misdiagnoses followed within the last ten years. The anti-psychotic medication she had taken for 56 years became unavailable, no warning; no substitute available. She set out to transform herself and others. Her forthcoming book, “Hope Restored: A Guide to Embracing the Storms of C-PTSD” is being published next year by Westbow Press.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: The traditional model of diagnosis, based on overt symptoms is outdated and leads to many misdiagnoses, inaccurate treatment and potentially ruined lives. Medical advances in the last 5-10 years relating to the diagnosis of C-PTSD, using physical evidence by means of imaging and biofeedback would revolutionise diagnoses, but it will be in vain unless: the knowledge is made available to health professionals at all levels and; the treatment is made accessible to the masses, not just the selected few, who can afford it.

Purpose: To integrate personal and professional perspectives relating to diagnoses and treatments of C-PTSD in the 1960s and today.

Case Study: No predictable adult attachment figure in my childhood to provide the necessary nurture needed for me to develop healthy life-coping strategies led to cumulative trauma. At age 19, I shut down, could feel no emotion other than fear, and was incapable of rational thought. I was hospitalised for c. 3-4 years, given inappropriate treatment, and discharged to manage what I considered to be a hostile world alone. In the 1960s, the traditional DSM classification was used, based on overt symptoms. C-PTSD as a diagnosis was virtually unheard of by most professionals. Clients were considered as guinea pigs; many lives were ruined by inappropriate treatment, some institutionalised for life. Today, DSM classification is still the main source of diagnosis. No one is exempt from trauma, albeit in varying degrees. But as each of us is unique, so are our responses. How can one method of diagnosis fit everyone? But doctors do need guidelines. There have been tremendous advances, especially in the last 5-10 years, which would enable doctors to base their diagnoses on physical evidence using imaging and biofeedback.

Result: Diagnoses can be made, based on the root cause, not just overt symptoms.

Conclusion: Unless this knowledge is made accessible to all professionals, and the treatment made affordable to the masses, misdiagnoses and ruined lives will remain as before.