Workshops
Information Coming Soon
Morning Workshops
Women's Mental Health Workshop
Dr Elsa du Toit will discuss the interplay between physical, mental, and social health specific to the perinatal period. Recognising the interconnectedness of these aspects of health is crucial for all perinatal healthcare workers, as both the physical and mental health of mothers directly impact pregnancy outcomes and the wellbeing of their babies. Pharmacotherapy during pregnancy, with consideration of physiological factors, will be the main focus of this talk. Dr Bavi Vythilingum will address premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which affects at least 3-4% of women of reproductive age. Many more women experience premenstrual exacerbation of an existing mood disorder. This presentation will explore the aetiology, pathophysiology, and diagnosis of PMDD. It will examine the similarities and differences between PMDD and premenstrual exacerbation of existing mental illness, exploring treatment options ranging from hormonal manipulations to medication. The role of lifestyle factors in PMDD and how lifestyle modifications can alleviate symptoms will also be discussed. Dr Lavinia Lumu will focus on the psychiatric implications of perimenopause and menopause, navigating these periods and understanding the hormonal interplay with psychiatric symptoms.
Controversies in the non-pharmacological management of trauma-related disorders Workshop
During this workshop, we will provide a description of three different treatments for trauma-related disorders, namely BWRT, bio and neurofeedback, and trauma-focussed CBT. The goals, theoretical foundations, and current evidence base for each treatment will be presented. The field of non-pharmacological treatments for trauma-related disorders is developing rapidly, leaving practitioners and patients with a multitude of treatment options. Controversy exists around which roadmap should be followed in treatment development and at what stage a treatment should be implemented beyond research settings. While medical science follows a clear path for the development of pharmacological treatments (albeit not without controversy), during this workshop, we will ask ourselves how clear the path is for the development of non-pharmacological treatments. As researchers and practitioners of non-pharmacological treatments for trauma-related disorders, it is important to consider a framework for treatment development and decision-making regarding the choice of treatment. In doing so, we propose that we should seek a clear understanding of the philosophy and theory underpinning a treatment, the phase of its development, and the accompanying evidence base. We will also consider the relevance of international treatment guidelines in making treatment decisions. Additionally, we will explore how pre-existing personal and professional exposure that researchers and clinicians may have can influence their choice to align with a specific treatment. Finally, we will consider to what degree, and in what way, we inform patients about the treatment choices available to them.
The Neuroscience of aging gracefully: Optimizing the retirement experience Workshop
This workshop will explore the risks, ethical considerations, and rewards associated with retirement. It will aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of retirement readiness from both psychological and biological perspectives, offering practical tips for optimally managing the retirement phase of patients’ lives. Erine Bröcker will focus on the psychological aspects, including potential psychiatric consequences for retirees. Marike Botha will provide practical advice for mitigating possible negative outcomes and maximising rewards during the retirement phase. Sihle Nhlabathi will offer insights into the science of ageing and its relation to potential risks in retirement. Dana Niehaus will conclude the workshop by addressing ethical considerations such as financial capacity, the validity of a living will, and what constitutes a valid will in South Africa.
Afternoon Workshops
Adolescent in Psychiatry Workshop
Tailored for general psychiatrists, this workshop aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of essential knowledge for those working with adolescents. The session will delve into the distinctive challenges associated with this age group, covering brain development, hormonal changes, identity formation, and peer influences. Participants will gain familiarity with common adolescent mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use. Through interactive case studies, participants will navigate real-world scenarios, addressing legal and ethical considerations. The workshop emphasises the importance of staying up-to-date with evidence-based treatments and therapeutic approaches tailored for adolescents, enhancing the effectiveness of mental healthcare provision for this demographic.
Ketamine/Esketamine Workshop
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that has now been recognised as a promising alternative treatment for various mental health conditions. Current formulations include intravenous ketamine and esketamine, the active S (+) enantiomer of ketamine, available in a nasal spray for therapeutic use. This workshop aims to provide an updated overview of ketamine use in psychiatric practice. Dr Frans Korb will introduce the session with the basic pharmacology of ketamine and esketamine, followed by the current treatment guidelines. Dr Bavi Vythilingum will then present the most recent evidence for the use of ketamine and esketamine in clinical practice. Dr Thabo Mogotlane will conclude the session by discussing the ethical principles surrounding the use of ketamine and esketamine in psychiatric practice.
Functional Medicine and the Psychiatrist
This workshop introduces the concept of a functional or integrated approach to health, which focuses on actively exploring and identifying the root causes of certain conditions, rather than merely treating their symptoms. Dr Richter and Dr Bosch will explain how this approach to healthcare examines the impact of lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, in conjunction with factors like genetic predisposition and epigenetic variability, to potentially enhance healthspan, quality of life, and longevity, both physically and mentally. This approach emphasises the connection between our genes and daily choices, and how these interactions can influence mental health and overall wellbeing. Dr Viljoen will discuss imaging in cognitive decline and explore the evidence for lifestyle modifications and their potential impact on cognitive health.
The Developing Role of AI in Psychiatric Practice
This upcoming workshop will offer an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in the field of psychiatry. Leigh Janet will commence the session with an overview of AI’s evolution, tracing its development from perceptrons and neural networks to contemporary transformers, such as GPT-4 and Gemini, which are highly relevant today. Peter Cruse will then provide a critical perspective on AI’s role in psychiatry, highlighting both its practical applications and limitations. Finally, Marcelle Stastny will present empirical data from patients she has monitored remotely. She will introduce the concept of digitized medicine and psychiatry, guiding attendees through the practicalities of incorporating these technologies into clinical practice.