Early psychosis

Mental Health Nursing,  Jan 2006  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

It is nearly ten years since the International Early Psychosis Association (IEPA) was formed.

The IEPA is now asking: 'Where do we go from here?' The answer 'Beyond the Cross Roads' is the theme of the 2006 Conference in Birmingham from October 4 to 6. It is structured around key themes with debates on crucial topics. The aim is to take stock of the many advances and to set clear signposts for future research, treatment and service provision.

The field has grown and strengthened exponentially over a decade. Break-through work has appeared in all areas of early psychosis, in the early detection of psychosis, the identification of social risk factors, understanding of neurodevelopment and gene-environment interactions, to name but a few.

There is now greater clarity in the nature of phase-specific interventions and in specialised services. 'Early intervention' is now a new paradigm of care.

We know so much more than we did ten years ago, bringing great benefit to young people with psychosis.

The organisers hope the conference will be a landmark in the development of this field. They plan to hold a pre-conference meeting with the leaders of the UK service reforms in early intervention services to share ideas and expertise in specialised services for early psychosis.

It is set in Birmingham's characterful canalside district and the social programme includes visits to Stratford upon Avon, Warwick Castle and the Cotswolds.

Keynote speakers include Peter Jones, Cambridge University on the new epidemiology of first episode psychosis; Matcheri Keshavan, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, USA, Neurobiology of early psychosis and Paul Harrison, Oxford University

Key dates: 3 April, deadline for abstract submission; 3 May, notification to authors of acceptance; 24 April 2006, release of registration brochure; 29 July, closing date early bird registration

Contact: IEPA Locked Bag 10, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia

T: +61 3 9342 2837 E mail info@iepa.org.au

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association Jan 2006
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved