The 5th International Congress on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Commences at TUMS, Dr. M. Bagher Larijani, Dr. Mehdi Tehrani-Doost

Children and adolescents are the crucial resources needed for the growth of any society. The Fifth International Congress on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry took place in Tehran, October 8-10, 2012, in cooperation with the Department of Psychiatry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).

In his introductory speech, Dr. M. Bagher Larijani --TUMS Chancellor-- stated that the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of behavioral and psychological problems of this age group are important issues which policymakers should pay close attention to.

"According to the recent studies, 50% of children suffered from Depression, 37 % of children have mood and anxiety disorders, 12% of 2-14 years old children have experienced physical punishments and more than 50% of children have heard oral punishments", added Dr. Larijani.

"Children and Adolescents should be thoughtfully nurtured and guided through the vulnerable period of childhood and adolescence so that they confront the least difficulties", said Dr. Mehdi Tehrani-Doost, the Chair of the Iranian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition he noted that preparing an adequate foundation for improving the mental health of children and adolescents is thus one of the major responsibilities of the health system and all individuals involved with this age group.

Being committed to creating theoretical and practical grounds to improve the youth mental health, the Congress covered many aspects of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry disorders, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Eating Disorders, Sleep Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Disruptive Behavioral Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Somatoform Disorders, Reactive Attachment Disorders, Epidemiology, Etiology, Psychopathology, Symptomatology, Neurocognitive and Neurodevelopment, Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.

The Congress lasted three days, it consisted of various parts such as: Professional panels, Video conferencing, Professional Symposia, Oral presentations, Poster presentations, Educational Workshops, Scientific Discussions about movies and social programs (Tehran’s Cultural Tours, Folklore and Classic Music Concert, Tehran’s Historical Attractions, Adventure Tours)