Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Jerome Ndolesha
Dual Diagnosis-Specialist, UK
Keynote: An Exploratory Qualitative Research on the Perceptions of Dual Diagnosis among the Bangladeshi Community in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Time : 10:00-11:00
Biography:
Jerome Ndolesha is a MSc Dual Diagnosis Specialist graduate from the Institute of Psychiatry at the Maudsley and Middlesex University, London, with a wealth of international experience. As a well-travelled missionary, he set up a literacy charity for inmates in Nioro du Sahel Prison (Mali, West Africa), an experience very crucial to executing his role as the President of the International Missionary Institute of London (2002-2003). Having established the current Zambian Catholic Community in London (1999–2002), he subsequently line-managed a community care service in both North and North West London. Further, he spearheaded Big-Lottery Funded Dual Diagnosis projects in the East London Boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets. Possessing various degrees and Post-Graduate diplomae from Kahangala (Tanzania), Middlesex University (UK) Louvain University (Belgium) and Kingston and St Georges Universities (UK), he is currently enrolled on an MA in Law at the University of Law (London Bloomsbury) and pursuing his PHD in African Politics. He has a great passion renewable energy, mining and general construction. English aside, his fluent languages include French, Swahili, Bambara, Bemba and Lungu/Mambwe. Jerome is hugely privileged to be part of this conference as one of our guest speaker.
Abstract:
Confusingly, ‘Dual Diagnosis’ describes innumerable physical, psychological/developmental co-morbidity. However, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2016) defines the phenomenon as the coexistence of severe mental illness and licit/illicit psychoactive substance misuse, embracing patients who meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Forth Edition (2000) (DSM-IV), and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (2016) (ICD-10). Nevertheless, since Dual Diagnosis is NOT a diagnosis in itself, inconsistent drug/alcohol misuse operational definitions and diagnostic classifications exist within the DSM-IV (and DSM-V) and the ICD-10. Such uncertainties contribute to making Dual Diagnosis a significant global clinical problem, often closely associated with increased risk of socio-economic exclusion, serious physical illness, self-harm, frequent re-hospitalization, poor treatment outcomes suicide/premature death, staff difficulties and management problems.
Keynote Forum
Scott Stevens
Alcohologist.com, USA
Keynote: Look what dragged the cat in: The rise of the opioid crisis
Time : 11:20-12:20
Biography:
Stevens is a journalist, posting regularly on health and alcohol issues for online news services and is a founding influencer at the world's largest medical portal, HealthTap. Stevens blends intensive evidence-based research, wit, journalistic objectivity, blunt personal dialogue and no-nonsense business perspective in his four award-winning health and addiction books.
Abstract:
The decade of the 2010's shelled hospitals and first responders with an explosion of opioid-related illness, injury, and death. Preventable drug overdoses tallied 54,793 lives lost in 2016 – an increase of 391 percent since 1999. Accidental drug overdose deaths increased 327 percent over the same period. The majority of OD deaths (38,000) involve opioids, The drug category most frequently involved in opioid overdoses and growing at the fastest pace includes fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and tramadol. The fentanyl category of opioids accounted for nearly half of opioid-related deaths. The dirty cat in the litter, heroin, accounted for the second highest number of deaths, claiming 14,606 lives.
Western countries struggle with what the opioid cat dragged in: Hard-to-treat opioid addictions, fatal relapses, and needless loss of mainly young lives. Now legislators, first responders, treatment pros, and those in the medical field are forced to focus not on the death toll the cat dragged in, but instead what dragged the cat in.
Keynote Forum
Scott Stevens
Alcohologist.com, USA
Keynote: Look what dragged the cat in: The rise of the opioid crisis
Time : 11:20-12:20
Biography:
Stevens is a journalist, posting regularly on health and alcohol issues for online news services and is a founding influencer at the world's largest medical portal, HealthTap. Stevens blends intensive evidence-based research, wit, journalistic objectivity, blunt personal dialogue and no-nonsense business perspective in his four award-winning health and addiction books.
Abstract:
The decade of the 2010's shelled hospitals and first responders with an explosion of opioid-related illness, injury, and death. Preventable drug overdoses tallied 54,793 lives lost in 2016 – an increase of 391 percent since 1999. Accidental drug overdose deaths increased 327 percent over the same period. The majority of OD deaths (38,000) involve opioids, The drug category most frequently involved in opioid overdoses and growing at the fastest pace includes fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and tramadol. The fentanyl category of opioids accounted for nearly half of opioid-related deaths. The dirty cat in the litter, heroin, accounted for the second highest number of deaths, claiming 14,606 lives.
Keynote Forum
Scott Stevens
Alcohologist.com, USA
Keynote: Look what dragged the cat in: The rise of the opioid crisis
Time : 10
Biography:
Stevens is a journalist, posting regularly on health and alcohol issues for online news services and is a founding influencer at the world's largest medical portal, HealthTap. Stevens blends intensive evidence-based research, wit, journalistic objectivity, blunt personal dialogue and no-nonsense business perspective in his four award-winning health and addiction books.
Abstract:
The decade of the 2010's shelled hospitals and first responders with an explosion of opioid-related illness, injury, and death. Preventable drug overdoses tallied 54,793 lives lost in 2016 – an increase of 391 percent since 1999. Accidental drug overdose deaths increased 327 percent over the same period. The majority of OD deaths (38,000) involve opioids, The drug category most frequently involved in opioid overdoses and growing at the fastest pace includes fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and tramadol. The fentanyl category of opioids accounted for nearly half of opioid-related deaths. The dirty cat in the litter, heroin, accounted for the second highest number of deaths, claiming 14,606 lives.
Western countries struggle with what the opioid cat dragged in: Hard-to-treat opioid addictions, fatal relapses, and needless loss of mainly young lives. Now legislators, first responders, treatment pros, and those in the medical field are forced to focus not on the death toll the cat dragged in, but instead what dragged the cat in.
- Workshop
Session Introduction
George Patriki
Director, Optimal Health Group, Australia
Title: Community Development Response To Ice & Other Drugs
Biography:
Abstract:
George Patriki
Director, Optimal Health Group, Australia
Title: Community Development Response To Ice & Other Drugs
Time : 16:00-17:00
Biography:
Abstract:
Celine Healy
Stress Resolution Specialist
Title: An understanding of stress as basis of mental health issues
Time : 13:50-15:10
Biography:
Celine Healy is a Resolution Specialist in Stress and Mental Health & Wellbeing. She helps companies and individuals resolve the issues behind workplace mental health, so they can move to well-being, within a 7-week time period.
Abstract:
Stress is the basis of all diseases, failure and non-success; all mental health issues. The aim is to show that stress is pervasive and affects everyone and everything we do. The degree to which you are stressed (holding tension or pain within your body/mind) will affect your behavior: mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, and therefore your mental health overall. 95% of all diseases/non-success is stress-related, stress is cumulative unless and until you deal with the underlying issues that are the real cause of your stress and deprogram and reprogram your conscious and subconscious mind you will never, ever be truly successful at weight management long term. Understanding stress and where it comes from and why it keeps repeating, that stress response is a habit - if so, then it can be unlearned. The different types of stress and why mental health issues in the workplace, need to be addressed from a different angle. When you change how you respond to stress you will have control because you will be more aware/present.
George Patriki
Director, Optimal Health Group, Australia
Title: Community Development Response To Ice & Other Drugs
Time : 16:00-17:00
Biography:
Abstract:
- Dual diagnosis/ Mental Illness/ Substance use disorders/ Bipolar disorder
Session Introduction
Sister Elena Marie Piteo
University of Notre Dame, Australia
Title: Social media and emotional regulation in young people A review of the literature
Time : 12:20-12:50
Biography:
Sister Elena Marie Piteo has completed her PhD from University of Adelaide and Postdoctoral studies from University of Adelaide. She is a Lecturer in Applied Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, Australia
Abstract:
Previous research has found associations between traditional media use such as television and movies on children’s mental health. There is now evidence, to suggest that newer media such as Online Social Media Platforms (SNS) may also have significant effects on children’s emotional regulation including anxiety and depression. Given that SNS have become a pervasive part of culture and may offer several advantages, it is critical to consider whether problematic online behaviors may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of younger people. The aim of this study was to identify and summarize research examining how the use of SNS affects emotional regulation skills in children and adolescence (5-18 years). It also aimed to consider other social variables that may influence the strength of this relationship. A database search was performed using PubMed and PSYCINFO. Areas of interest included considering the quality of the online friendship, and what conditions are necessary for the use of SNS to interfere with the development of normal emotional regulation. It is possible that if young people replace face to face interactions with online interactions and are rejected, this may further exacerbate symptoms. On the other hand, the quality of the relationship may be cultivated if they supplement their existing friendships with online relationships. Young people who seek SNS to avoid distressing emotions may not be able to learn how to develop appropriate internal regulatory mechanisms to cope with their emotions. Findings from such research promise to help clinicians and educators in targeting vulnerable young people who are at risk of developing mental health problems.
Yamam Abuzinadah
RMIT University, Australia
Title: Mental health literacy in the arabic community
Time : 15:10-15:40
Biography:
Yamam is pursuing her PhD in Mental Health Literacy among People from Arabic Background. She acts on the research and innovation committee in School of Global, Urban and Social Studies in RMIT University, as the higher degree by research representative. She is a certified Hypnotherapists and trained Counselor. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Health and Counseling in the Children and Family strand from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She holds a Certificate IV in training and assessment which gives her the credibility to create, teach and assess accredited Australian courses registered under AQUA standard.
Abstract:
Mental health literacy has become a very influential topic in Australia due to the increase of mental health issues that have been reported through national research and surveys. This research explores mental health literacy in the Arabic-speaking community in Victoria, Australia, and their concepts, beliefs, perspectives and attitudes toward mental health in general. This research will also examine the impact of mental health literacy on help seeking attitudes, relationships and intra and inter- community interactions. This research is aiming to understand the mental health literacy of the Arabic community. The outcomes of this research will contribute to raising mental health awareness among the Arabic-speaking community, develop and enhance mental health service provision and explore new ideas regarding elevating mental health literacy in the Arabic community. This qualitative research employed face to face interviews and online qualitative survey for 165 men and women aged 18+ from Arabic background living in Victoria, Australia. Due to cultural sensitivity, this research used online surveys to build trust and rapport with the community, then invited them to participate in an in-depth interview. The preliminary findings shows that the concepts, beliefs, perspectives and attitudes towards mental health in the Arabic community is highly influenced by cultural and religious beliefs and practices for example: Jinn (Djinn), Seherand Rabtt: Black magic and spills (sorcery), Hassad (evil eye) Ayeb (Stigma) Rejjal (Manhood). The findings also highlight the important role the Arabic language has on expressing mental health issues, depression and/or emotional pain. And as this is a community engaged research, the findings explain the needs of the community when dealing with mental health issues or understanding and some of the culturally competent ways to raise awareness about mental health in the Arabic community.
Kashmira Nanji
The Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan
Title: Prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment among older adults (> 60 Years): Results of a community based study from an urban city of Pakistan
Time : 17:00-17:30
Biography:
Kashmira Nanji has completed her Masters in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. She has published over 50 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as Reviewer and Editorial Board Member of many journals.
Abstract:
Globally the proportion of older adults population is increasing at an alarming rate. With this increase comes a growing prevalence of late-life disorders such as Cognitive Impairment (CI). The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CI and the associated correlates among older adults living in Karachi, Pakistan. A population-based survey was conducted among people aged 60 years or older in urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 1400 community dwelling older adults were recruited using multi stage cluster sampling. Face-to-face interviews were carried out to collect information including demographic characteristics, medical history and a validated version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to screen subjects with CI. SPSS version 19 was used for analysis and logistics regression analysis was performed. A total of 1400 (≥60 years old) were included. Among them, 695 (49.6%) were females and 705 males (51.4%). Prevalence of cognitive impairment was estimated to be 33.7%. Significant factors that were found to be associated with cognitive impairment includes increasing age [AOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.04-1.95], being female [AOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.16-2.04], feeling lonely (P-0.01) and being depressed (P-<0.001). This study showed a high prevalence of CI among elderly in an urban city of Pakistan. Strong associations were observed between CI and variables such as increasing age, female gender, depression and loneliness. Regular screening and early interventions may help to reduce the onset of CI among elderly. Therefore, more emphasis should be given towards prevention of CI to fight against this growing epidemic.
Biography:
Sophia Ali, Certified Movement-Based Expressive Arts Therapist from Tamalpa Institute (California, USA). An MA in Clinical Psychology from Amity University (Noida) and certification in creative movement therapy from Creative Movement Therapy Association of India (Bangalore).
Abstract:
There is an essential connection between art and life that can facilitate healing and change. The work focuses on new aesthetic that reflects the here and now of peoples’ authentic life experiences, rather than the beauty of a specific dance form or technique.
This process is based on the following principles.
Our bodies are vehicles of awareness.Body sensations, postures, and gestures reflect our history, our culture, and our current ways of being.When we engage in expressive movement, dance, and the expressive arts, the ongoing themes and patterns from our lives are revealed.When we work on our art (a dance, drawing, poem, song, or performance), we are also working on something in our lives.The symbols we create in our art contain valuable messages which speak to the circumstances of our lives.The ways we work as artists teach us about the ways we relate to ourselves, others, and the world.