Mental health ALM A
S2C Adolescent health
A joint presentation with an Adolescent Physician/Paediatrician & a health education specialist. Health & lifestyle indicators among Australian children & adolescents; issues around the developmental changes of adolescence; the impact of chronic illness; precursors of adult disease in adolescence, risky behaviours, weight, shape, self–esteem, body image & eating disorders. How to best approach & manage this difficult period of development. Dr Sue Towns & Dr Jennifer O’Dea
S7C In pursuit of happiness
This presentation will consider the definition of “happiness”, its Mx, its underlying neurological basis & relationship to economic variables before focusing on varying strategies (political, social, therapeutic) that are designed to increase happiness levels. This is of key clinical relevance in response to the current apparent ‘epidemic’ of depression, including among adolescents. Prof Gordon Parker Black Dog Institute
WJ Mindfulness in adolescence
Mindfulness techniques are a fusion of ancient Eastern meditation skills blended with modern cognitive behavioural strategies. The practice of mindfulness has been proven in clinical trials to be very valuable for the Mx of stress, anxiety & depression. All adolescents today face unavoidable stressors as they mature. This workshop demonstrates easy mindfulness strategies for young people that are of great immediate benefit as well as being a set of ongoing life skills. Sessions 3,10,12 Dr Margie Gottleib Presented by Australian College of Psychological Medicine
WQ Neuroscience of addiction in young people
The human brain undergoes numerous neurobiological changes during adolescence, & the latest research has made it clear that addiction is influenced by & directly induce altered brain function. This session will outline acute presentations including acute intoxication in the GP setting & how to manage. It will also provide information on the neuroscience of addiction as it relates to young people, party drugs & psychostimulants, the rates of use, health impacts & approaches to Rx. It will use a case study of the concerned parent visiting the GP seeking help, & look at how to engage with the young person & follow the Mx of the patient through various stages of treatment. Dr Mark Montebello, Dr Gilbert Whitton, Dr Hester Wilson Sessions 3,9,14 NSW Dept of Health
WQ Binge Drinking
Young people are drinking at levels that place them at markedly greater risk of acute harm than any other group in the community. Death rates from accidents are higher in the under 25 year old age group, than any other age group. This session will look at binge drinking in the young adult, its incidence, how & why it starts, the dangers & how to address the problem. It will deal with the medical complications of early alcohol use, & provide an understanding of the mechanisms to improve management. Dr Bronwyn Milne, Dr Gilbert Whitton, Dr Craig Sadler Sessions 1,8,12 NSW Dept of Health
WU Adolescent mood disorders
Adolescence is a time of emotional turmoil, making recognition & Mx of mood disorders in this age group challenging. This 3 hour workshop will address recognition, assessment & diagnosis, & introduce appropriate treatment strategies for GPs dealing with adolescents suffering from mood disorders. (3 hour workshop divided into 2 x 1 1/2hr sessions – you must attend 2 sessions on the one day) Sessions 4&5 or 6&7 or 11&12 Dr Anne Camac Dr Vered Gordon, Dr Antony Milch Black Dog Institute
