This year’s advanced psychopharmacology preconference is designed to give an overview of the “four most exciting things happening in Psychiatry”. You will leave this pre-conference energized and ready to take on the next 4 days of continued psychopharmacology education, one step ahead of your peers.
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This year’s preconference is designed to give an overview of reproductive psychiatry, developed in partnership with the International Society for Reproductive Psychiatry (ISRP). You will leave this pre-conference with an expanded knowledge of women’s health and reproductive psychiatry throughout the lifespan.
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The co-chairs of the 36th annual Psych Congress will commence the conference by introducing two remarkable presentations and priming attendees for an engaging and informative week ahead.
Dr. Jennifer Mascaro will explore the powerful relationship between language, treatment adherence and patient outcomes, highlighting the critical importance of using inclusive language and avoiding stigmatizing terms in clinical settings to promote better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Join Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison, internationally renowned clinical psychologist, and award-winning author with lived experience, as she delves into the enduring foundations of psychotherapy and explores the essential traits of effective healers.
Developed in partnership with Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Psych Congress has partnered with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance to deliver advanced education on mood disorders including Depression and Bipolar Disorder, which affect over 21 million Americans and account for over 50% of the nation’s suicides every year.
This session will explore the complex landscape of end-of-life care and the debate surrounding the values of autonomy and comfort. The presentation will delve into how language, such as euthanasia and medical aid in dying, shapes the clinical and political realities of end-of-life care, and how this framing impacts patient and family decision-making. The session will also address the primary concerns of those who oppose the determination of the timing of death and distinguish among palliative sedation, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the legal and ethical considerations of end-of-life care, with a focus on defining what constitutes a "good death."
While benzodiazepines can be highly effective in managing symptoms, they are often viewed as addictive and dangerous, leading many patients to avoid seeking treatment altogether. This session will explore the stigma associated with the use of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety and other mental health disorders.
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A new feature at Psych Congress in 2023, each Foundations in Psychopharmacology session will dive deep into one specific therapeutic drug class, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics. These sessions are distinct in their foundational emphasis on both long-standing medications often appropriate as first-line therapies, as well as additional first-line options and adjunctive treatments. Foundations sessions may be particularly valuable for early-career psychopharmacologists and those looking for a detailed look at the when and the why of medication selection as well as access-related challenges and considerations that may affect treatment decisions.
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The phenomenon of prolonged grief after suicide loss is a significant and often debilitating challenge for many individuals and families. In this session we will explore the latest research and innovative treatments for addressing this complex and multifaceted issue. Through a focus on restoring hope and promoting healing, we will discuss how to effectively support those who are struggling with prolonged grief after suicide loss and empower them to move forward with resilience and optimism.
Developed in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
In this session, we will explore the underlying mechanisms of agitation and how it manifests in different psychiatric disorders, with a focus on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We will discuss evidence-based interventions for managing agitation, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic approaches. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of agitation on patients and learn practical strategies for effectively managing agitation in psychiatric practice.
Join us for an engaging MasterClass educational session designed to equip medical professionals with the latest insights and practical skills for enhancing the management of major depressive disorder (MDD). Expert faculty will discuss the of the role of neuroplasticity in MDD and its implications for disease management, particularly in relation to digital therapeutics. Dive into the interpretation of the most recent clinical data for digital therapeutic strategies in the context of MDD, and learn about their efficacy to cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, participants will learn how to implement strategies that address barriers to the integration of digital therapeutics into clinical practice. By the end of the session, attendees will have the tools to optimize MDD management, incorporating cutting-edge approaches and overcoming obstacles. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of MDD treatment and improve patient outcomes.
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The management of major depressive disorder (MDD) is an ongoing clinical challenge, especially considering the large proportion of patients who experience an inadequate response to initial antidepressant monotherapy. These patients experience a substantial burden with higher functional impairments and poorer clinical outcomes. In this MasterClass session, expert faculty will delve into the assessment of the prevalence and burden of poor response in individuals with MDD, exploring the limitations of traditional antidepressants that often contribute to this issue, offering insights into the factors underlying poor response. Participants will gain a profound understanding of the role of glutamatergic signaling in the pathophysiology of MDD and how this knowledge translates into potential therapeutic targets. Expert faculty will critically evaluate the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic profiles, and the latest clinical data associated with newer and emerging glutamatergic pharmacotherapies.
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This MasterClass session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to better understand the diagnostic challenges associated with bipolar disorder (BD), including differentiating BD1, BD2, and MDD. Expert faculty will highlight the impact of cardiometabolic burden on treatment adherence and overall outcomes in patients with BD, providing practical guidance on how to mitigate these risks. Participants will also be introduced to the limitations of traditional antipsychotic agents and off-label therapies in BD, as well as the latest clinical evidence and mechanisms of action associated with newer/novel therapies. The session will conclude by evaluating the potential of these newer/novel therapies to mitigate cardiometabolic adverse effects in patients with BD, equipping participants to make informed decisions about which therapy to prescribe in individual cases.
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Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of ASFP will kick off our keynote address by discussing their mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Following her presentation Music Neighbors will delve into the power of music as a tool for processing trauma and addressing mental health issues. Through the lens of local musicians, we will experience an iconic Nashville Songwriters' rounds, where artists will share personal stories and perform songs that have helped them to heal. By hearing from these artists, we will explore how music can provide a cathartic release, self-expression, and emotional processing. Join us for this inspiring and thought-provoking session that highlights the intersection of music and mental health.
Developed in partnership with AFSP.