ANCIPS 2025 – SYMPOSIA

National Mental Health Surveys of India - Setting the National Agenda

Dr. Jaisoorya TS¹

1. Professor, NIMHANS, Bengaluru.

The National Mental Health Surveys of India the first of it was in 2015-16 have played a significant role in shaping the national agenda in mental health. The symposium will discuss contextually the rationale, methodology, and findings of the NMHS surveys to date.

The NMHS-1 surveyed around 40000 individuals in 12 states and reported the prevalence of any mental morbidity to be 10.6% with a treatment gap of 84%. The mental health disorders were higher in urban metros than in rural areas. Given this, the next phase of NMHS-1, the Megacity Survey explored mental health morbidity among those living in the 6 large metros of the country. Of the over 20000 individuals surveyed, mental morbidity reported was around 12%. These finding will be examined in the context of migration, COVID-19, and other challenges of urbanization including slums, unemployment, socio-economic distress etc. The greater focus on mental health following COVID-19 and given the requirement of state-specific data for the country, the currently ongoing NMHS-2 (2024-26) will survey over 2 lakh adults in all the 28 states and 8 union territories, which when completed will be the largest survey to date in the world.

The symposium discusses the findings of the NMHS-1 & NMHS-Megacity Survey and steps in the preparatory phase of the NMHS-2 including the framework of assessment, sampling strategies, proposed statistical analysis and other unique challenges.

Mental Health aspects of organ donation- Assessment, Influencing factors, Attitudes and motives

Dr. M J Sahu¹, Dr. Surbhi Dubey², Dr Deepak Krishna Ghormode³

1. Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Pt. J.N.M Medical College And Hospital Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

2. Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Pt. J.N.M Medical College And Hospital Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Solace Mind Care Clinic, Durg, Chhattisgarh.

The expansion of organ donation programme requires legal framework keeping ethical and organizational considerations in each country, with integration of physicians’ technical expertise communication skills for family involvement, pre procedure counselling and post procedure psychiatric assessment.

Despite a long transplant waiting list, there remains a significant gap between the need for transplantation and the number of organs available from deceased and living donors.

Psychiatry evaluation is mandatory for assessment of donor’s mental status, psychosocial risks, motivation, readiness, understanding the process and intellectual capacity for understanding the preprocedural and post operative processes. Post donation review and monitoring of duration of hospital stay, complications, psychosocial variables is required.

Decision for organ donation is based on multiple factors. Its primarily influenced by relation to the recipient, religious beliefs, cultural influence, impact of family and previous experience with the health care system. Knowledge about healthcare system is one of the other factors forming the basis of the process.

The complexity of individuals attitudes and motives toward donation and the need for more sophisticated further studies. The interaction of factors influencing organ donation cadaveric or live and individual factors, such as attitudes and beliefs need to be studied for formulation of policies, encouraging organ donation and requirement of the hour.

Neurobiology Of Adolescent Brain And Its Vulnerability To Mental Health Issues

Dr. Sai Kiran¹, Dr. V Venkata Kiran², Dr. N Uma Jyothi³

1) Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Guntur Medical College, Guntur.

2) Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Guntur Medical College, Guntur.

3) Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Guntur Medical College, Guntur.

Neurobiology plays a key role in adolescent brain as it undergoes significant changes, making it vulnerable to mental health issues. Some of the prominent changes that occur are synaptic Pruning, Myelination, Cortical Thinning, Amygdala Development and Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) Maturation which interfere with loss of neural connections, emotional processing and regulation, decision making, impulse control etc..,. The impact of mental health issues is on raising trend especially in adolescents 50% of mental health issues emerge by age 14 and 75% of mental health issues develop by age 24 and an alarming rise in adolescent suicide, increased by 21% from 2015 to 2017.

Few of the noteworthy Mental Health issues that are seen in adolescents are Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Substance Abuse, suicidal behaviour. Early or childhood onset Schizophrenia is seen associated with disrupted cortical development, impaired synaptic pruning. All these conditions are multi-factorial in origin and the causative factors are Genetics, Environmental Stressors (trauma, bullying),Social Media and Digital Addiction, Sleep Deprivation, Substance Exposure etc.

Understanding and addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable populations in India

Prof. Pallab K Maulik¹, Dr. Sandhya K Yatirajula², Dr. Manmeet Kaur Bhatia³, Dr. Siddhardha Devarapalli⁴, Dr. Abhishek Ghosh⁵, Dr. Mercian Daniel⁶

1. Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi.

2. Program Lead (Mental Health), The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi.

3. Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi.

4. Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

5. Senior Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi.

The national mental health survey estimates that there are around 150 to 200 million people in India who have a mental disorder. The prevalence of mental disorders appears to be more among certain population given their vulnerable situation. Vulnerable populations, including socio-economically disadvantaged individuals, ethnic minorities, migrants, and those experiencing homelessness, face heightened risks of mental health issues. In India tribal communities, individuals in contact with the criminal justice system, and transgender individuals, face significant mental health challenges due to socio-economic disadvantages, stigma, and limited access to healthcare. Adding to this vulnerable population are young people who experience extreme climate change events, such as cyclones and storms, heatwaves, floods etc. The symposium will bring together five speakers who will present on different facets of their ongoing work of understanding and addressing the mental health needs of different vulnerable populations. Each presenter will present separate areas of research which are related to providing mental health care for vulnerable populations using different research strategies – 1) Experiences of implementing a peer support model to promote the mental health of transpersons in Delhi NCR. 2) Understanding the role of upstream social determinants in promoting mental health: A case study of SATHI project. 3) Substance misuse in the criminal justice system: Turning challenges into opportunities. 4) Examining the psychological impact of climate change among young people in the Sundarbans, West Bengal. These series of presentations will capture the experiences conducting these different studies across many states and for different vulnerable populations.

Application of arts and Cinema for Child and adolescent mental health

Dr. Pavitra KS¹, Dr. Abhiruchi Chatterjee², Dr. Shubrata Kalmane³, Dr. Suddhendu Chakraborthy⁴

1. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, BMCH, Shimoga.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Kolkata, West Bengal

3. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga.

4.Consultant Psychiatrist and Researcher, Department of Psychiatry, IPER, Kolkata.

The devastating impact of child and adolescent mental health concerns is increasingly evident on a globally This crisis calls for innovative solutions that are sufficiently accessible, scalable, and cost-effective to support diverse communities around the world. One such solution involves engagement in the arts: incorporating and building upon existing local resources and cultural practices to boost the child and adolescent mental health. This symposium will discuss the child and adolescent mental health crisis specific to India and note major gaps in the knowledge and resources needed to address it. We then discuss the potential for arts- and culture-based strategies to help meet this challenge, review the mounting evidence regarding art’s ability to support mental health, and call for action to undertake critical research and its translation into accessible community practices. Four steps are suggested: (1) elevate and prioritize child and adolescent mental health (2) develop core outcome measures, (3) identify and analyze successful models globally and (4) generate clear funding pathways for research and translational efforts. Nationwide implementation of arts- and culture-based strategies to address child and adolescent mental health will provide critical resources to support the health, wellbeing and flourishing of children and adolescents across the country.

Spirituality, Religion: Health and Mental Health

Prof. Dr Varghese Punnoose ¹, Prof. Rama Rao Gogineni ², Prof Shridhar Sharma ³, Prof Roy Abraham Kallivayalil ⁴

1. Professor of Psychiatry and Principal, Govt Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala

2. Department of Psychiatry, Cooper University Hospital, New Jersey, USA

3. Emeritus Professor, National Academy of Medical Sciences & Dept of Psychiatry, IHBAS, New Delhi

4. Professor Emeritus, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Thiruvalla, Kerala

Religion, spirituality, health and medicine have common roots in the conceptual framework of relationship amongst human beings, nature and God. Of late, there has been a surge in interest in understanding the interplay of religion, spirituality, health and medicine. There is evidence suggesting that some areas of the brain, mainly the nondominant one, are involved in the appreciation and fulfillment of spiritual values and experiences. Clinicians will learn evolving nature of religion, spirituality in understanding the role of religion and spirituality in clinical settings and incorporate into their work. Many psychiatrists believe that religion and spirituality are important in the life of their patients and rapprochement between religion and psychiatry is essential. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, The American College of Graduate Medical Education, The World Psychiatric Association, Indian Psychiatric Society are incorporating spirituality, religion in their learning/teaching modes. Evidence suggests that, on balance, religious involvement is conducive to better mental health. It is helpful to incorporate spirituality and religion in our treatment. We must propagate the Bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model in our approach and Spiritually Augmented Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Religious involvement is associated with better outcomes in physical and mental health and helpful to cope with the stresses in life and illness. Religion and spirituality play important roles in the lives of millions of Indians and therefore, Indian physicians need to respectfully acknowledge religious issues and address the spiritual needs of their patients.

Love And Sex Are the Most Potent Killers: Do We Have a Solution?

Dr. Indira Sharma ¹, Dr. Niska Sinha ², Dr. (Surg Cdr) Kshirod Mishra ³, Dr. Mrugesh Vaishnav ⁴

1. Emeritus Professor, National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

2. Associate Professor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar

3. Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharashtra.

4. Director, Samvedana Group of Hospitals and Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The rapid increase in unregulated love and sexual relationships has led to a concerning rise in crimes associated with these behaviors, necessitating an urgent examination of the underlying causes and potential solutions. In 2016, love-related violence claimed over 3,000 lives in India, with one in ten murders linked to issues surrounding love, sex, and betrayal. This alarming trend highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the problem. The role of society is crucial; parents and family members should educate children about the risks associated with love and sex, restrict interactions between genders, limit smartphone use, and establish workplace codes of conduct to prevent sexual harassment. Government intervention is also essential, including regulations to ban mobile phone usage by children in schools, enforce modest dress codes, prohibit co-education until class 12, and hold hotels accountable for any sexual crimes. Psychiatrists can contribute by raising awareness of psychiatric disorders that may lead to disinhibited behaviors related to love and sex. Furthermore, the legislature must create laws that reflect societal norms regarding premarital sex and interpret Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) in a way that balances individual freedoms with societal values. While there is a push for the rights of individuals to engage in consensual relationships, there are calls for stricter regulations to prevent the associated violence and crime stemming from these relationships. Addressing these multifaceted issues is critical for fostering a safer society.

Women and Mental Health Symposium

Dr. Lokapriya Premalatha ¹, Dr. Mano Manoharan ², Dr. Nita Agarwal ³, Dr. Shweta Mittal ⁴

1. General Adult Consultant Psychiatrist, South London & Maudsley NHS Trust, UK

2. Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist, South London and Maudsley (Slam) NHS Foundation Trust, UK

3. Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrist & Associate medical director, CAMH and YAMH services, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, UK

4. Medical Lead and Consultant Psychiatrist, Nottinghamshire HealthCare NHS Foundation Trust, UK

This symposium will delve into critical topics addressing gender-specific mental health challenges. The first speaker will discuss updated MHRA guidelines for prescribing sodium valproate, a widely used medication for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Historically, risks associated with valproate have focused on women of childbearing age, with 11% of babies exposed in utero developing birth defects and 30–40% facing developmental issues. Emerging data now indicate a potential risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children conceived by men on valproate up to three months before conception, raising questions about its future prescription for men. The Indian perspective on this issue will also be explored. The second speaker will highlight SHAPER’s “Breathe Melodies for Mums” initiative, a Wellcome-funded £2.6 million research programme investigating group singing as an intervention for postnatal depression. Findings from this randomized control trial will provide insights into how arts-based social interventions can address mild to moderate postnatal depression. The third speaker will focus on ADHD in young girls, a condition often overlooked due to its atypical presentation, leading to challenges in self-esteem, development, and long-term mental health as women. Early recognition and intervention will be emphasized. The fourth speaker will share her leadership journey as a woman of Indian origin forging a successful career in the UK, mentoring international graduates, and contributing to psychiatry. The symposium promises to offer enriching discussions on these timely issues.

Lifestyle Psychiatry: Evidence-Based Lifestyle Interventions for Mental and Physical Health

Gia Merlo¹, Dhruv Gupta², Ramaswamy Viswanathan³, Marketa Wills⁴, Vishal Madaan⁵

1. Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York.

2. Forensic Psychiatrist, NY State Office of Mental Health.

3. President, American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University.

4. CEO and Medical Director, American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC.

5. Chief, Division of Education and Deputy Medical Director, American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC.

Lifestyle psychiatry integrates evidence-based lifestyle interventions into conventional psychiatric practice to enhance mental health outcomes. It underscores the role of healthy behaviours in preventing, treating, and potentially reversing psychiatric conditions. This session aims to provide an overview of lifestyle psychiatry and its impact on mental health, focusing on the role of nutrition in improving mood and reducing cognitive disorder risks. It will also evaluate the efficacy of exercise and sleep in managing psychiatric symptoms and discuss strategies to enhance social connections, reduce stress, and limit the use of harmful substances. Furthermore, the session will explore ways to integrate lifestyle psychiatry into South Asian communities. The session will feature a presentation and discussion led by leaders from the American Psychiatric Association, including the President, CEO, Medical Director, and Chief of Education. Dr. Viswanathan, the President, has announced “Lifestyle for Positive Mental and Physical Health” as the theme for the 2025 APA Annual Meeting. The session will demonstrate the clinical applications of lifestyle psychiatry, combining principles from lifestyle medicine, positive psychology, and psychopathology, with a particular focus on South Asian communities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into adopting these practices to improve both individual and community health outcomes.

Lifestyle Changes: Challenges And Opportunities in Psychiatric Therapeutics (On Behalf of WPA Section for Preventive Psychiatry)

Dr. Uttam Garg ¹, Prof. Dr. Roy Abraham Kallivayalil ², Prof. Dr. Tv Asokan ³, Prof. Dr. Adarsh Tripathi ⁴

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Agra. Co-Chair of WPA Section on Preventive Psychiatry, Past Secretary General IPS.

2. Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychiatry, Pushpagiri Medical College, Kerala; Past President Of IPS, Past General Secretary of WPA And Past President Of WASP.

3. Professor & Head, Dept of Psychiatry, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College & Hospital; Past President Of IPS, Past Chairperson of The Award Committee Of IPS, Past Board Member WPA, Member of WPA Section for Preventive Psychiatry

4. Professor Of Psychiatry, KGMU, Lucknow; Editor of The Indian Journal of Behavioural Sciences, EC Member of The WPA Section for Preventive Psychiatry.

There is an increasing recognition of lifestyle factors as both challenges to mental well-being and therapeutic tools that complement psychiatric practice. Lifestyle psychiatry is an emerging field that promotes positive health behavior changes to enhance patient well-being. It adopts a transdiagnostic approach, utilizing the bio-psycho-social model of health to combine evidence-based, cost-effective lifestyle interventions tailored to individual needs alongside pharmacological and psychological treatments for comprehensive patient care. The first topic will emphasize the significance of physical exercise, nutrition, and positive interactions with nature in promoting mental health. The second topic will explore how therapeutic lifestyle changes, including modern relationships, recreational activities, and spirituality, can improve resilience and mental well-being. The third topic will address the challenges and opportunities presented by urbanization and effective urban planning in enhancing mental health, suggesting positive lifestyle changes for healthier minds. Finally, the fourth topic will assess the impact of social media, screen time, and online activities on mental health, discussing the necessity of digital detoxes and the utility of digital tools for improving mental well-being. By examining these aspects, the discussions aim to highlight the vital role of lifestyle factors in mental health care and promote strategies for integrating these approaches into clinical practice.

Basics of EEG and Neuroimaging for Postgraduate Exams

Prof Jitendriya Biswal ¹, Dr Swayam Prava Boral ², Dr Sayari Kamilya ³

1. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneshwar

2. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, SJMCH, Puri

3. PG Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneshwar

This symposium provides postgraduate students in neurology, psychiatry, and related fields with a comprehensive understanding of EEG and neuroimaging, focusing on fundamental principles, clinical applications, and exam-relevant content. It aims to equip participants with foundational knowledge essential for both examinations and future clinical practice. Dr. Swayam Prava Baral, Assistant Professor at SJMCH Puri, will discuss EEG basics, emphasizing the interpretation of EEG findings, identification of abnormal patterns, and their clinical significance. Her session will cover technical aspects of EEG, normal waveforms, clinical applications, and exam tips. Dr. Jitendriya Biswal, Associate Professor at IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, will introduce CT and MRI, highlighting their applications, strengths, weaknesses, and clinical use cases in anatomical imaging. Dr. Sayari Kamilya, a PG Resident at IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, will focus on functional neuroimaging techniques such as PET, SPECT, and fMRI in psychiatry, covering their principles, applications, and recent updates in MRS, SPECT, and fMRI. This symposium aims to enhance participants’ knowledge of EEG and neuroimaging, boosting confidence in exam preparation and clinical practice.Top of Form

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Evaluating Biomarkers in ADHD: Predicting Treatment Outcomes and Long-Term Prognosis

Dr. Shivanand Kattimani ¹, Dr. Prasannakumar N², Dr. Bichitra Nanda Patra³, Dr. Biswadip Chatterjee⁴, Dr. Bikram Dutta⁵

1. Professor of Psychiatry and Child and adolescent Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, JIPMER, Puducherry

2. Professor of Psychiatry and HOD, Dept of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry - Super specialty, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam.

3. Additional Professor & Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi.

4. Additional Professor of Psychiatry, NDDTC-Ghaziabad, AIIMS, New Delhi.

5. Professor of Psychiatry & Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, No.151, Base Hospital, Guwahati.

The exploration of biomarkers for ADHD has expanded across genetic, neuroimaging, biochemical, and electrophysiological domains, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy, predict treatment responses, and offer insights into prognosis. Genetic studies have established the heritability of ADHD, with genes related to dopamine signaling—such as DRD4, DAT1, and SNAP25—implicated in its pathophysiology. Though genetic markers like polygenic risk scores (PRS) show promise for assessing susceptibility, they remain limited in clinical application, instead aiding primarily in understanding ADHD’s genetic complexity and supporting targeted research. Neuroimaging has highlighted structural and functional differences in ADHD, with MRI and fMRI studies revealing altered volumes in regions such as the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, as well as disrupted connectivity in networks related to attention and impulse control. Similarly, biochemical biomarkers, including neurotransmitters like dopamine and hormonal markers like cortisol, have been investigated for their relevance to ADHD. Dopamine transporter density, for example, has been elevated in ADHD, though these findings often overlap with other neurodevelopmental conditions, posing challenges for clinical application.

Electrophysiological markers, particularly EEG and event-related potentials (ERPs), show potential in ADHD assessment, as individuals with ADHD often display distinct patterns such as an elevated theta/beta ratio (TBR) and reduced P300 amplitude. While research on biomarkers for predicting treatment response and long-term outcomes is advancing, issues with specificity, methodological inconsistencies, and high costs remain significant barriers. Consequently, the utility of biomarkers in ADHD requires further longitudinal studies and validation before achieving routine clinical integration

Neurobiological Resilience in The Journey From Psychiatric Illness To Wellness: Mechanisms And Interventions

Dr. Soumya Prakash ¹, Dr. Gayathri Madhu ², Dr. Merin Poulose ³, Dr. Nisha Cyriac ¹

1. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Kottayam

2. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation.

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Taluk Head Quarters Hospital, Nedumkandam.

The symposium presentation explores the multifaceted nature of stress resilience, emphasizing genetic, societal, and behavioral influences. It highlights the neurobiological underpinnings, where neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and hormones interact with brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala to regulate stress responses. Molecular elements like ZFP 189, LINC00473, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis are also crucial. Therapeutically, psychopharmacological treatments like SGAs and ketamine, which enhance neurotrophins such as BDNF, alongside psychotherapeutic approaches like CBT, mindfulness, and brain stimulation, significantly boost resilience. Adequate sleep is essential for effective stress adaptation. Clinically, fostering resilience involves patient-centered care, collaborative teams, and organizational support, with telehealth and mobile apps being valuable tools. Research advancements in neuroimaging have identified resilience biomarkers, focusing on the HPA axis and endocannabinoid system, and future research aims to validate these biomarkers, explore developmental predictors, and incorporate wearable technologies for monitoring and intervention. Overall, the presentation provides a comprehensive overview of resilience from biological, therapeutic, clinical, and research angles, offering strategies to improve adaptability in stressful situations.

Impact of Psychotropic medications on male and female fertility- A Systematic Review

Dr. Lakshmi Sristi ¹, Dr Barikar C Malatesh ², Dr. Ajay Santhini ³, Dr. Sushank Tekupalli ³

1. Senior Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bibinagar

2. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bibinagar

3. Post-graduate, Dept of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bibinagar

All psychotropic medications are known to have sexual side effects, and this review specifically examines their impact on male and female fertility. A literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines until 27 August 2024, using the search terms “Antidepressant,” “Antipsychotic,” “Benzodiazepines,” “Mood stabilizers,” and “Infertility” in PubMed and Scopus. Both observational and interventional studies were included. Out of the 33 articles finalized, 15 were clinical trials, and 18 were observational studies. Seventeen studies assessed the impact of psychotropics on male fertility, 14 on female fertility, and two studies addressed both. The results were categorized by study type, study population, sample size, psychotropic medication used, and methods of infertility assessment. In men, parameters assessed included semen analysis variables such as sperm motility, number, morphology, semen volume, and hormone levels (Testosterone, LH, FSH). In women, parameters included conception rates and hormone levels (Prolactin, Estradiol, LH, FSH). Some medications, such as Phenelazine, Amoxapine, Imipramine, and Amitriptyline, have been shown to improve semen parameters, while Valproate and Clomipramine were found to impair them. Thioridazine and fluoxetine were associated with improved conception rates in women, but when antidepressants were evaluated as a group, conception rates were lower, and the risk of miscarriages increased. This review highlights that while there is evidence on the effects of psychotropics on fertility, the findings are often conflicting.

High Intensity Treatment (HIT) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A 5-day integrated approach for OCD.

Dr. M.S. Reddy¹, Dr. Swetha Reddy², Dr. Allam Bhavana², Mr. Rajesh Bethala³, Miss Raga Lahari Ayyadevar³.

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Director and Founder, ASHA Hospitals, Hyderabad.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Asha Neuromodulation Clinics, Hyderabad.

3. Psychologist, Asha Neuromodulation Clinics, Hyderabad.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment is often challenged by frequent relapses, compliance issues, and extended treatment durations. The low remission rates, prolonged time to achieve remission, and high relapse rates necessitate a comprehensive, high-intensity treatment approach that combines all available evidence-based interventions for OCD. This presentation explores a 5-day High-Intensity Treatment (HIT) program for OCD that integrates Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (DTMS), Concentrated Exposure and Response Prevention (cERP), medication, and counseling. Conducted from 8 AM to 8 PM as an outpatient service, the program begins with a thorough evaluation and patient selection by a psychiatrist. Patients are grouped according to similar symptom profiles into batches of 4-5, maintaining a counselor-to-patient ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. Over five days, patients undergo multiple exposure sessions tailored to their symptoms for a total of 25-30 hours in a home-like setting. Concurrently, they receive DTMS sessions alongside medication management. A family member may accompany the patient during therapy sessions. Following the intensive treatment phase, a three-month follow-up period is implemented, during which counselors and psychiatrists monitor progress and provide feedback to facilitate the patient’s transition back into their everyday environment.

Obesity and Psychiatric disorders -”BAD TWINS”: experiences from the first multidisciplinary Bariatric tertiary hospital clinic in India and the way forward

Prof Stephen Amarjeet Jiwanmall ¹, Prof Dheeraj Kattula ¹

1. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College, Vellore

Bariatric Psychiatry is an emerging subspecialty that addresses the complex interplay between obesity and mental health. Obesity, a multifactorial disease, necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, with lifestyle modification as its foundation—achievable only through a change in mindset. The multidisciplinary bariatric clinic at Christian Medical College, Vellore, established in 2016, was the first of its kind in India. Psychiatrists have been integral to this team from its inception, alongside endocrinologists, surgeons, dieticians, and physiotherapists. Psychiatric comorbidity among morbidly obese individuals is significant, with prevalence ranging from 40–50%. In our clinic, one-third of morbidly obese patients had psychiatric disorders, primarily depression and dysthymia. Key variables associated with psychiatric conditions included suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, poor social support, and prior psychiatric history. The psychiatrist’s role in the clinic is pivotal, addressing stigma, which exacerbates obesity and its comorbidities. Screening for psychiatric and substance use disorders, assessing motivation for lifestyle modification, and providing interventions like stress management and cognitive restructuring are integral components of care. For patients requiring bariatric surgery, psychiatric involvement includes three key roles: ruling out contraindications, managing pre-surgery conditions predictive of poor outcomes, and addressing post-surgery mental health challenges. Intensive psychiatric inputs ensure the prevention of setbacks, reducing the vicious cycle of weight gain and depression. The first presenter will discuss obesity’s psychiatric correlations and the clinic’s journey, while the second will explore challenges, evidence, and the future of this promising subspecialty.

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA)-Based Education in PG Psychiatry and Implementation of EPA Logbook among PG Residents

Dr. Prateek Yadav¹, Dr. SP Panda², Dr. VS Chauhan³.

1. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AFMC, Pune.

2. Asst Prof, Department of Psychiatry, AFMC, Pune.

3. Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, AFMC, Pune.

The rapid evolution of medical education necessitates innovative approaches to ensure competency and professionalism among postgraduate psychiatry trainees. Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) offer a structured framework for assessing clinical competencies in real-world settings. Dept of Psychiatry, AFMC has implemented the EPA logbooks for MD Psychiatry students wef 10 Apr 2023.

This symposium will explore the integration of EPA-based education within PG psychiatry programs, focusing on the implementation and utility of EPA logbooks. By tracking the development of clinical skills through EPAs, educators can provide individualized feedback, support progressive autonomy and ensure that trainees achieve core competencies. The symposium will highlight the challenges, benefits, and practical strategies for successful adoption of EPA-based learning, fostering a competency-driven training model that is adaptable to diverse clinical environments.

Health And Well Being of Mental Health Professionals: Need For Special Attention

Dr. Nimesh G. Desai ¹, Dr. Anil Nischol ², Dr. Shobit Garg ³, Dr. Heena Merchant ⁴, Dr. Simran Chowdhry ⁵

1. Independent Consultant in Psychiatry & Mental Health, And Former Director, IHBAS, Delhi

2. Professor Of Psychiatry and Dean (Academics), KGMU, Lucknow

3. Professor Of Psychiatry, SGRRMIHS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

4. Additional Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, LTMMC & GH, Sion, Mumbai

5. Senior Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Science, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

The treatment gap for mental health disorders in general population is well known and getting its due attention. The health status and psychological well-being of the mental health providers, including mental health disorders and other problems has been largely overlooked and unattended. This symposium aims to highlight the relevance and the need for focusing on these aspects, across different settings. Beyond the introduction of the patterns, the barriers and the possible solutions, the presenters will describe and discuss the various aspects in the context of large hospital teams and academic departments, small private care settings & individual practitioners, as well as the mental health service needs of women mental health professionals and trainees in mental health & young practitioners.

Pluridimensions Of Mental Illness Through the Lens of Clinical Psychoeconomics

Dr. Shivangi Mehta ¹, Dr. (Prof) Priti Arun ², Dr. Shikha Tyagi ³

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, GMCH, Chandigarh.

2. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, GMCH, Chandigarh.

3. Assistant Professor (Psychiatric Social Work), Department of Psychiatry, GMCH, Chandigarh.

The Pluri-dimensions of Mental Illness encompass Severe mental illness as the leading cause of disability and dysfunction, followed by an overwhelming number of persons with neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism spectrum disorders and Intellectual developmental disorders, which constitute a significant burden on mental health as well as the rehabilitation services in a low resource setting like India. Psychoeconomics is a field that combines psychology and economics to understand how people make economic decisions. It considers the social and psychological aspects of economic activity, such as how people behave in groups or alone and how social influence affects perception. In psychiatry, psycho-economics can help to enhance shared decision- making between patients and healthcare providers. This approach acknowledges that patients are active participants in their own health care, and not just passive recipients of care.

The Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh has under its umbrella - Disability Assessment, Rehabilitation & Triage (DART) Services under the aegis of Mental Health Institute (MHI), as well as Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID) Chandigarh. The Department has been running inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for SMI and Neurodevelopmental disorders. The symposium would discuss the background, conceptualization and evolution, the psychoeconomics and the experiences of these services from inception.

Navigating Identity: The Current Status Of LGBTQ Rights And The Coming Out Process In India

Dr. Aninda Sidana ¹, Dr. Manish Meel ², Dr. Dipayan Sarkar ³

1. Assistant Professor, Dr. S S Tantia Medical College and Jansewa Hospital, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. V.D. Meel Manorog Hospital & Wellbeing Centre, Sikar

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Modern Psychiatric Hospital, Agartala, Tripura

Despite the landmark decriminalization of Section 377 in 2018, which represented a significant legal victory for the LGBTQ community in India, societal stigma and discrimination continue to be pervasive. Many individuals within this community struggle with fears of rejection and ostracization, leading to a complex and often painful coming out process. This symposium utilizes the Problem-Agitation-Solution (PAS) framework to analyze the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, including lack of acceptance in familial and social contexts, mental health issues, and discrimination in employment and healthcare. A critical focus is on the coming out process, influenced by cultural contexts, family dynamics, and societal norms that shape individual experiences. The discussion will also evaluate the legal rights afforded to LGBTQ persons in India, including protections against discrimination and violence, to understand how these rights impact coming out journeys. The need for ongoing advocacy and education to foster an inclusive environment that supports LGBTQ identities is emphasized. In conclusion, while progress has been made in legal recognition, true societal acceptance remains elusive, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and action. By unpacking these themes, the symposium aims to enhance understanding, promote acceptance, and advocate for comprehensive legal reforms that safeguard the rights and dignity of all LGBTQ individuals in India.

Prevention Of Substance Misuse: An Overview Of Preventive Efforts In India And Other Low- And Middle-Income Countries (LMICS)

Dr. Shinjini Choudhury ¹, Dr Abhishek Ghosh ², Dr Tathagata Mahintamani ³

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Patna.

2. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

3. Assistant Professor, Department of Addiction Medicine, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur.

Substance misuse is a prevalent cause of morbidity, leading to significant expenditures on both supply and demand reduction, including treatment efforts. A preventive approach can help minimize the development of substance use disorders (SUD) and conserve resources, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has proposed universal, selective, and indicated prevention models for community-level SUD prevention. Universal prevention targets the entire community, selective prevention focuses on high-risk groups, and indicated prevention addresses individuals showing minimal signs of disorder. Youths are particularly vulnerable due to ongoing brain development and limited inhibitory control, with subpopulations such as school dropouts and homeless youths at heightened risk for SUD. Effective selective prevention strategies include cognitive and behavioral skills training, family support, academic assistance, and awareness of drug-related harm. In India, substance misuse among adolescents and young adults poses a growing public health challenge that requires comprehensive prevention strategies. Three controlled studies at the school, college, and community levels illustrate the potential for preventing substance use and risky behaviors. Initiatives like Project SEHER in schools, a college program addressing alcohol misuse, and a community-based tobacco cessation project demonstrate the importance of integrating mental health and substance misuse prevention into national programs. Additionally, examining preventive initiatives in other LMICs reveals various effective approaches, such as Brazil’s Famílias Fortes program and South Africa’s HealthWise program. These insights underscore the necessity for continued research, advocacy, and collaboration to enhance substance misuse prevention efforts globally.

Assessment, Management & Recent Advances In Dementia Care

Dr P J Chakma¹, Dr Dipayan Sarkar², Dr Chaitali Malakar³

1. Asst. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AGMC & GBP Hospital

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Modern Psychiatric Hospital, Agartala

3. Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, AGMC & GBP Hospital

Dementia is a debilitating neurological condition that is characterized by persistent cognitive decline. It is a global health challenge, with a rapidly increasing prevalence due to an increasing aging population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia is classified as a syndrome rather than a disease. It is characterized by a progressive decline in the cognitive function of an individual across multiple cognitive domains, consequently impairing functional abilities. The term dementia has been replaced by major neurocognitive disorder (MND) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5). According to WHO, almost 55 million people suffer from dementia across the globe. Dementia is a significant contributor to morbidity in elderly individuals. As the number of individuals aged above 65 years is increasing, there is also an increase in dementia cases, and it has emerged as a significant concern for healthcare systems and communities across the globe. However, the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia have ushered in a new era of hope and progress in the battle against this debilitating condition. In connection to that, this symposium aims to address the important point regarding assessment & management of Dementia with new innovation/research in Dementia care.

Invisible Scars: Mental Health Implications Of Gender-Based Violence Across Populations

Dr. Akansha Bhardwaj ¹, Dr. Panna Sharma ¹, Dr. Nishtha Chawla²

1. Senior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Delhi

2. Assistant Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Delhi

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to violence perpetrated against an individual due to their gender, gender identity, or gender expression. It is pervasive violation of human rights that leaves profound and enduring psychological consequences for survivors. There are various forms of GBV (eg: physical/sexual violence, psychological abuse etc) and the each takes a significant toll on mental health. Survivors of GBV are at an elevated risk for a range of mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorders. We aim to examine the complex psychological mechanisms at play, such as the dynamics of power and control, trauma bonding, and internalized stigma, which intensify the emotional and psychological impact of abuse. Additionally, GBV among men and transgender individuals is often overlooked. While their experiences may mirror those of women in some ways, they also encounter distinct challenges that complicate their healing process. These findings underscore the critical importance of trauma-informed care, therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and integrated support systems that combine mental health services with legal, social, and medical assistance. By emphasizing the pivotal roles of mental health professionals, advocates, and policymakers, we advocate for a holistic approach to supporting survivors and preventing further violence. Ultimately, addressing the mental health consequences of GBV is vital not only for the healing of individuals but also for transforming societal attitudes and advancing a collective commitment to ending gender-based violence.

Neurodivergence to Degeneration - What we can do with Cannabidiol?

Dr Hema Tharoor¹, Dr Mithun Prasad^2, Dr. Vikas Prabhav³.

1. Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, SIMS Hospital, Chennai.

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Vivid Mind Clinic, Chennai.

In the first session, the speaker will cover the role of endocannabinoid system and experience share the science and scope of Cannabidiol in neuropsychiatry. A proof of concept related to putative role of Cannabidiol efficacy in improving obsessive symptoms seen in autism spectrum disorders to Fronto-temporal dementia will be presented. In the second session, the correlation between Cannabinoid receptor and Anandamide level measurement will be discussed along with Cannabidiol efficacy and response in anxiety disorders in the clinical practice. During the last session, the speaker will share the experiences with Cannabidiol in personality disorders with and without substance use or role in cannabis substitution therapy. The risks, legal and ethical implications in Cannabidiol treatment will also be highlighted.

WPA Section on Psychiatry, Law and Ethics- WFMH (Asia Pacific)- Symposium

It is time to prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace

Prof. Roy Kallivayalil ¹, Prof. Mamta Sood ², Prof. K. Ashok Reddy ³, Prof. Mohan Issac ⁴

1. Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India

2. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi

3. Professor & HOD, Dept of Psychiatry, SVS Medical College, Mahbubnagar

4. Professor of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Perth

Common mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress, and adjustment disorders are increasingly prevalent in the workplace, leading to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and poor overall work performance. This not only affects individual health but also impacts the health of communities and national economies. Social inclusion, empowerment, collaboration, and adherence to best practices in the workplace are crucial for mental health, especially considering that employees spend approximately 60% of their time at work. Ignoring workplace mental health would be detrimental. The World Federation for Mental Health, established in 1948 and maintaining a special consultative status with the United Nations since 1963 and an official relationship with the World Health Organization, observes World Mental Health Day annually. This year’s theme, “It is time to prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” emphasizes the importance of workplace wellness, which encompasses the overall health and wellbeing of employees as well as programs and activities that support them. This symposium will address various dimensions of workplace mental health, including its urgency, gender-specific concerns, legal and ethical aspects, and the neurobiological underpinnings of wellness.

Understanding the red flags with SUD Patient: Evidence based treatments in Drug Treatment Centre, Hyderabad.

Dr M. Umashankar ¹, Dr Phanikanth K ², Dr Navyaja ³, Dr Uma Maheswari ⁴

1. Professor & HOD, Maheshwaram Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana

2. Associate Professor, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana

3. Assistant Professor, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana

4. Senior Resident, Oxford Medical College, Bangalore

Qualified therapists assist those who misuse alcohol & other substances in quitting. They can offer approaches for motivation and reinforcement. They aid individuals in recognizing and avoiding their triggers. They may provide different approaches to coping with stress. It is a biologically complicated condition with a high degree of genetic heterogeneity that affects a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Some people are predisposed to developing SUD due to a strong genetic predisposition. Given the variety of clinical presentations, it is likely that several environmental, physiological, psychological, social, and biological elements interact intricately to cause the disease to develop and advance.

This workshop will focus on not only recognizing but illuminating the myriad of biopsychosocial components that can contribute to everyone’s diagnosis. Understanding of this process will allow the participants to acquire greater insight into the comorbid associated diagnoses along with the grieving process that may occur because of these patients. Learning these aspects will further enhance participants’ skills to develop more specific and effective treatment strategies and approaches.

Enhancing dignity in People living with Dementia

Dr. Sravani Gaddipati ¹, Dr. KSVRN Pavan Kumar ¹, Dr.N.N. Raju²

1. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam

2. Professor & HOD, Dept of Psychiatry, Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder requiring multifaceted interventions aimed at the Person with dementia (PwD) and care givers. Dementia is associated with not only a progressive deterioration of cognitive functions, the PwD experience loss of autonomy, uncomfortable symptoms and unmet emotional needs for several months to years. Communication impairment, emotional deficits and behavioral problems lead to significant burden on caregivers and impair the quality of life in PwD. In this symposium we aim to pragmatically review the emerging pathways that can facilitate dignity in living with Dementia. We will discuss the concepts of early communication, advanced care planning in dementia. We aim to then present about the literature on the emotional aspects of PwD and their families and facilitation of transition to comfort-oriented care. Further, we discuss the psychosocial therapies relevant to Dementia care with a special emphasis on the use of Dignity therapy, a relatively new approach that focuses on creating a legacy document that reflects on life stories, accomplishments, and values of PwD, thereby affirming their worth and identity. We aim to sensitize professionals regarding addressing domains of emotional suffering, importance of early communication and psychosocial therapies that address preserving dignity that can have a far-reaching effect on quality of life of PwD and their families. This symposium gives an overview regarding the holistic and person centred approach to enable the PwD to live with dignity.

The Narrative-Crisis Model Of Suicide: An Emerging Transdiagnostic Framework For Suicide Risk Assessment And Management

Dr. Vikas Menon ¹, Dr. Ilambaridhi Balasubramanian ², Dr. Debadatta Mohapatra ³

1- Professor, Dept Of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute Of Postgraduate Medical Education And Research (JIPMER), Puducherry.

2- Former Senior Resident, Dept Of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute Of Postgraduate Medical Education And Research (JIPMER), Puducherry.

3- Associate Professor, Dept Of Psychiatry, All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar

Suicide rates in India have been steadily increasing over the past five years, prompting a need to reevaluate the existing frameworks for suicide risk assessment, stratification, and management. Current models face two main issues: they overly rely on long-term risk factors to assess short-term risks, which lacks empirical support, and they depend on overtly expressed suicidal ideation, which many attempters may deny or conceal. To address these limitations, multistage models of suicidal behavior have been proposed. This symposium will present the narrative-crisis model (NCM) of suicide, which uses individual vulnerability as a starting point to explain the progression to suicidal behavior, integrating concepts from the stress-diathesis model and interpersonal theory of suicide. The discussion will include an overview of the NCM model, its stages, and empirical evidence supporting its validity and clinical utility, particularly in the Indian context. Results indicate that the NCM is an evidence-based framework with consistent construct validity across cultures. Its appeal lies in its capacity to guide investigations and interventions at each stage of suicidal behavior progression. The NCM also opens research opportunities to test intervention efficacy. In conclusion, the NCM offers significant theoretical and empirical advantages over existing risk assessment models and warrants further investigation within our setting to enhance suicide risk assessment and management strategies.

How to use Artificial Intelligence in mental health research

Dr. Hitesh Khurana¹, Dr. Sujit Sarkhel², Dr. Prerna Kukreti ³, Dr. Vishal Dhiman⁴

1. Professor, Department of Psychiatry (IMH), Pt.B.D.Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana

2. Professor, Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata

3. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, LHMC, New Delhi

4. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Rishikesh

Artificial Intelligence (AI), which mimics human reasoning to solve complex problems by learning from data and making predictions, has become increasingly valuable in health sciences, aiding in early diagnosis, treatment planning, and accessible mental health care. However, its application in manuscript preparation—such as language processing, paraphrasing, and summarizing—has raised significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding the originality of research contributions. Detecting AI usage in manuscripts is challenging but crucial, as instances of AI-influenced articles being retracted highlight the potential risks. This symposium aims to educate the audience on AI techniques in manuscript preparation and address associated ethical concerns. Dr. Vishal Dhiman will introduce key concepts and capabilities of AI, while Dr. Hitesh Khurana will demonstrate AI tools for manuscript writing. Dr. Sujit Sarkhel will discuss detecting AI plagiarism and its consequences, and Dr. Prerna Kukreti will outline editorial guidelines and ethical considerations from national and international bodies. By raising awareness about the ethical use of AI tools, the symposium seeks to enhance the quality of mental health research in India, particularly for postgraduate students and emerging scientists. While AI can significantly improve productivity and quality in research, its responsible and ethical use is critical to maintaining academic integrity and fostering sound research practices.

Non –Suicidal Self Injury and Suicide Prevention: Indian Perspective

Dr. Manaswi Gautam ¹, Dr. Hemendra Singh ², Dr. Anita Gautam ³, Dr. Swati C ⁴

1. Assistant Professor, JNU Medical College, Jaipur

2. Associate Professor, Dept. Of Psychiatry, M. S Ramaiah Medical College & Hospitals, Bengaluru, Karnataka

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Gautam Hospital & Research Center, Jaipur,

4. Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, St John’s National Institute of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka

The major risk factor for suicide is often an untreated and frequently undiagnosed mental disorder. According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2022 report, 170,924 individuals died by suicide in India, with many having visited general hospital settings prior to their deaths. A history of past suicide attempts is a critical risk factor for future suicides, highlighting the urgent need for timely interventions to prevent suicidal behaviour. The hidden epidemiology of suicide in India reveals that many individuals with mental health conditions are not receiving adequate care. The discussion will cover experiences in suicide prevention based on a brief intervention module implemented in general hospital settings, emphasizing the importance of addressing non-suicidal self-injury and exploring various strategies for suicide prevention. Additionally, the delivery of brief intervention modules at tertiary care hospitals will be examined, showcasing effective methods for engaging individuals at risk. These insights underscore the necessity of integrating mental health care into general health services and implementing comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted nature of suicide risk. By focusing on early intervention and supportive care, it is possible to reduce the incidence of suicide and improve outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Neuroinflamation in Depression Way Ahead

Dr (Surg Cdr) Kshirod Kumar Mishra ¹, Lt. col. S P Panda², Maj Mohit Agrawal³

1. Professor & HOD, Dept of Psychiatry, MGIMS, Sevagram, Wardha

2. Associate professor, Department of Psychiatry, AFMC, Pune.

3. Clinical Tutor, Department of Psychiatry, AFMC, Pune.

Depression is one of the leading cause of Disability worldwide. In spite of available modalities of treatment 1/3^rd patients don’t respond to treatment adequately. Multiple etiological theories have evolved over the yrs (Neuroreceptors –Neuroplasticity). Off late Inflammatory based theories have been interrelated to Gut Microbiota. Inflammatory hypothesis based treatment of Depression has been a major breakthrough in the management of treatment refractory depression. Major breakthrough in the process and many medications has been evolved and tried as an adjuvant medication in the management of depression. Through the symposia, we would like to throw light in the future direction towards inflammatory based medications in the management of refractory depression.

Enhancing Psychiatric Interviewing Skills in the Indian Context

Dr. Mukesh Sanghadia¹, Dr. Narsimha Reddy Pinninti²

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, San Diego, CA 92102, United States

2. Professor of Psychiatry, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine & Medical Director, Twin Oaks Community Services Inc., New Jersey

This concise symposium will equip mental health professionals with practical strategies to improve their psychiatric interviewing skills, especially in the context of Indian culture. Participants will learn to establish rapport, conduct effective history-taking, perform a comprehensive mental status examination and recognize and address cultural factors that may influence symptom presentation and communication styles. The symposium will consist of a brief lecture, followed by interactive case-based discussions and role-playing exercises. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills and receive feedback from experienced clinicians. By focusing on core interviewing skills and cultural considerations, this condensed symposium will provide participants with practical tools to enhance their clinical practice.

Online Trading Addiction: A Tale Of Chasing Losers (!!)

Dr. Tamoghna Bandyopadhyay ¹, Dr. Aritra Chakraborty ², Dr. Nishant Saha ³

1. RMO Cum Clinical Tutor, Department Of Psychiatry, Murshidabad Medical College And Hospital, West Bengal

2. RMO Cum Clinical Tutor, Department Of Psychiatry, Bankura Sammilani Medical College And Hospital, West Bengal

3. Medical Officer, Addiction Treatment Facility, Department Of Psychiatry, Murshidabad Medical College And Hospital, West Bengal

In the digital age, “online trading addiction” has become a significant social concern, leading to various psychological issues such as low self-confidence, anhedonia, poor frustration tolerance, and increased stress. This addiction can result in severe consequences, including substance abuse, lack of empathy, sexual dysfunction, and even suicidal thoughts in extreme cases. Online trading involves buying and selling financial instruments like stocks, currencies, commodities, and cryptocurrencies via the internet. Key concepts include leverage, margin, risk management, and analysis. While online trading offers benefits such as convenience and cost-effectiveness, it also carries risks like market volatility and emotional decision-making that can lead to substantial financial losses. Addiction is characterized by dysregulation of neural pathways associated with reward and motivation. Although online trading is not specifically classified in diagnostic manuals like the ICD or DSM, it shares similarities with gambling disorders. Key brain regions involved include the nucleus accumbens for reward processing, the amygdala for stress response, and the prefrontal cortex for executive function. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin play crucial roles in reinforcing addictive behaviors. To address online trading addiction, several remedies can be implemented: reducing exposure to trading platforms, setting financial limits, fostering realistic perceptions of trading outcomes, prioritizing responsibilities, and utilizing both pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy. These strategies aim to mitigate the impact of addiction on individuals’ lives and improve overall well-being.

Medical Ethics And Law- Role Of Psychiatrists In Teaching Medical Students

Dr. Sunita Simon Kurpad ¹, Dr. Smitha Ramadas ²

1. Professor, Department Of Psychiatry & Head Department Of Medical Ethics, St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

2. Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala.

Psychiatrists play a crucial role in teaching medical ethics to both undergraduate and postgraduate students across various medical and surgical specialties. Their clinical experience with individuals suffering from mental illness equips them with practical expertise in navigating ethical dilemmas related to confidentiality, informed consent, and potential litigation. Psychiatrists in general hospitals often address complex issues, including organ donation and withdrawal of medical care. This symposium will discuss how formal training in medical law and ethics can enhance psychiatrists’ ability to educate students while deepening their understanding of health-related legal aspects in India. This is particularly relevant since the National Medical Council (NMC) recently mandated that all postgraduates receive training in medical ethics, following the introduction of the AETCOM (Attitude, Ethics, and Communication) modules for undergraduates in 2019. Many doctors tasked with teaching medical ethics feel unprepared due to a lack of expertise. The symposium aims to bridge this gap by drawing on the speakers’ extensive experience in medical education and their recent training in medical law and ethics. Key takeaways will be provided for psychiatrists who may not have access to formal training but wish to effectively teach medical ethics to students. By fostering a solid foundation in ethical principles, psychiatrists can better prepare future healthcare professionals to navigate the complexities of ethical practice in medicine.

Catatonia Revisited: New horizons in Neurobiology, Diagnostic and Therapeutic approaches

Dr. Indu Nair¹, Dr. Unnikrishnan Reghuraman Nair², Dr. Arathi Susheelan², Dr. Sneha M².

1. Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Mental Health Centre, Trivandrum.

2. DNB Resident, Mental Health Centre, Trivandrum.

Catatonia, a multifaceted neuropsychiatric syndrome marked by motor, behavioral, and autonomic disturbances, has long been under recognized and frequently misdiagnosed. Recent strides in elucidating its etiology, enhancing diagnostic techniques, and expanding treatment modalities have revolutionized clinical approaches. This symposium aims to deliver a thorough update on current insights and emerging developments in catatonia, including the diverse presentations, neurobiological discoveries, and innovative therapeutic strategies thereby facilitating clinicians in early detection and implementing cutting-edge interventions to improve patient outcomes. This symposium begins with an overview of the diverse presentations of catatonia, using selected case vignettes to aid early identification and differentiation of catatonia from other psychiatric and neurological disorders, offering practical strategies for clinicians. It will be followed by a session which examines the emerging insights into the pathophysiology of catatonia providing a framework that integrates neurochemical, immunological, structural and functional abnormalities with the brain. This talk will also address the complexities of treating catatonia in populations with comorbid conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and medical illnesses, traditional treatments such as benzodiazepines, ECT and introduces novel pharmacological and neuromodulation techniques, including NMDA receptor antagonists, COX-2 inhibitors, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, supported by case-based insights. By the end of this symposium, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of recent advancements in catatonia, fostering improved diagnostic precision and expanding therapeutic options. By integrating diverse perspectives, the symposium aims to enhance the management of this challenging condition, ultimately benefiting those affected.

Basal ganglia and its significance in major psychiatric disorders

Dr. Dinesh Kumar¹, Dr. Rajesh Nair², Dr. Atul C S³

1. Senior Consultant, Malabar Medical College, Kozhikode

2. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Malabar Medical College, Kerala

3. Senior Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, Malabar Medical College, Kerala

“I think therefore I am” declared Rene Descartes around 4 centuries back. In reality, it is “I act, therefore I am alive”. All living organisms have to perform actions to survive. The unfortunate aspect for all living beings is the unpredictability of their external environment which keeps changing frequently. The requirement in such circumstances, is for the organisms to constantly update themselves on the new situations and use the new learning to their advantage. In Psychiatry research, Prefrontal Cortex has been an important structure implicated in major disorders. But in the last few decades, the Subcortical structures like the Basal Ganglia, Cerebellum, Midbrain and even Hindbrain structures in addition to their wellknown functions in Motor movements have been found to have major Cognitive functions. They have reciprocal connections among themselves and cortical structures. They have a large role in Decision-making and planning actions. In our symposium, we would argue that the Basal Ganglia has a major role in common psychiatric disorders and research should focus on their functions as well to find new treatments for mentally ill patients. To unravel the etiology of major mental illnesses. Enhance treatment options for mental illnesses.Robust evidence in the Role of Basal Ganglia involvement in Major mental illnesses.

Psychiatric Ethics

Dr. TG Sriram¹, Dr. Ananda K. Pandurangi², Dr. Srinivasaraghavan³, Dr. G. Gopalakrishnan⁴.

1. Professor Emeritus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.

2. Professor of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.

3. Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Southern Illinois University School Of Medicine, Illinois, USA.

4. Professor Emeritus, MVJ Medical College, Bangalore.

The first session will address the ethics in the context of student-teacher relationship. The principles of sound medical ethics extend beyond clinical practice to encompass health profession educators. Medical textbooks and literature provide guidance on ethical conduct, highlighting behaviors to avoid in teaching. The story of Ekalavya from the Mahabharata exemplifies unethical teaching, where Dronacharya denied education to Ekalavya based on caste and demanded a thumb as Guru Dakshina for drawing inspiration from his image. This incident illustrates at least seven unethical behaviors by Dronacharya, including caste discrimination and favoritism, which will be explored in detail during the presentation.

The second session will address unethical human experiments involving vulnerable populations, referencing notorious studies like Tuskegee and the Guatemala Syphilis study, as well as experiments conducted by Dr. Marion Sims and those related to nuclear testing. Current ethical guidelines for human research stem from the Nuremberg Code and the Declaration of Helsinki, emphasizing the need for heightened care when researching mentally ill individuals, prisoners, and those with dementia.

The final session will address the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) of 2017 in India reinforces the rights and autonomy of patients with mental illness, aligning their rights with fundamental human rights. It establishes ethical and legal responsibilities for mental health professionals and the government, reflecting a commitment to protect vulnerable populations within the healthcare system. The presentation will underscore the importance of ethical awareness among educators and clinicians to foster a just healthcare environment.

Break Through in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

Prof. Farooq Khan¹

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

In the past two decades, Alzheimer’s disease treatment research has advanced considerably, particularly with the emergence of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies as a promising therapeutic strategy. Alzheimer’s dementia, a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by amyloid-beta plaque accumulation in the brain, which is crucial to its pathophysiology. This presentation includes findings from a systematic review, which evaluates the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in treating Alzheimer’s disease, based on a comprehensive search of 12 randomized controlled trials focusing on amyloid-β. The antibodies studied include Lecanemab, Aducanumab, Crenezumab, Solanezumab, Donanemab, Bapineuzumab, and Gantenerumab. While most trials did not show statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes such as CDR-SB. However, specific trials investigating Lecanemab, Aducanumab, and Donanemab demonstrated promising cognitive benefits. Secondary outcomes were mixed but generally more favorable. These findings underscore the complexity of Alzheimer’s pathophysiology and suggest that targeting the amyloid-beta hypothesis alone may be insufficient for effective management. Consequently, further research is essential to unravel the underlying mechanisms and develop treatments that address the multifactorial nature of the disease. This presentation aims to provide insights into the current state of monoclonal antibody research in Alzheimer’s treatment and highlight future directions for comprehensive therapeutic approaches.

Yoga in Psychiatry

Dr. Nikhil Patel¹

1. Chairperson / Advisor, Specialty Section of Yoga and Spirituality on “Yoga & Meditation” of Indian Psychiatric Society (2018-24); Head & Senior Consultant Neuropsychiatrist in Global Hospital & Research Centre, Mount Abu, India

There are many schools of Yoga and Meditation that are being practiced and advocated in various psychosomatic illnesses, common mental illnesses, psychoactive substance abuse/dependence and a few chronic psychotic illnesses with varying efficacy. Most of the clinical guidelines and studies recommend Yoga and Meditation as an adjuvant to the conventional psychopharmacological treatment. Barring florid psychotic conditions, Yoga and Meditation are indicated as a complementary mode of therapy in most of the minor and common mental illnesses. It has been of benefit to the care givers and the health professionals as well if practiced regularly.

The faculty of the symposium include senior experienced psychiatrists of different schools of Yoga who have been practicing Yoga themselves. The speakers of the symposium aims to present an overview of Yoga, discuss clinical applications and sensitize the participants about the scientific basis of Yoga with a live demonstration of common Yoga Protocol as well as Meditation. The indications, contraindications and the preventive role of Yoga will also be discussed. The symposium will also have a senior Brahma Kumari sister as a guest speaker if she accepts the invite from the IPS Specialty Section on yoga and Meditation. A hands-on demonstration of Yoga would also be carried out during the symposium.

Pediatric Psychosis

Dr. Kumail Hussain¹.

1. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Clarity Clinic, Chicago, Illinois, United States.

The symposium on Pediatric Psychosis will address several key aspects of this complex condition. It begins with a discussion on the differential diagnoses for pediatric patients presenting with psychotic symptoms, emphasizing the need to distinguish these from other psychiatric conditions. The session will explore prodromal symptoms and early signs of psychosis. Treatment strategies will be discussed, including the use of therapy and psychotropic medications. The latest research in pediatric psychosis will be reviewed to provide insights into effective management approaches. The role of family in early intervention strategies will also be emphasized. The symposium aims to provide a comprehensive overview of pediatric psychosis, focusing on early diagnosis, intervention, and the integration of family support in treatment plans. By addressing these areas, the symposium seeks to improve clinical practices and outcomes for children experiencing psychosis, ultimately contributing to better long-term prognoses and quality of life for affected individuals and their families.

Aggression as a Treatment Target Symptom, Independent of Diagnosis

Dr. Koustubh Bagul¹, ⁠Dr. Rahul Mathur², Dr. Prashant Maravi³, Dr. Akanksha Singh⁴

1. Dr. Koustubh R. Bagul, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College, Indore

2. Dr. Rahul Mathur, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College, Indore

3. Dr. Prashant Maravi, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College, Indore

4. Dr. Akanksha Singh, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College, Indore

Aggression is a multifaceted behavior often indicative of deeper psychological and neurobiological issues. While traditionally addressed as a secondary symptom within specific diagnoses across all age groups, this symposium aims to reframe aggression as a standalone treatment target. By approaching it as a transdiagnostic symptom, we can foster innovative strategies to address its complex biological, psychological, and environmental underpinnings, improving patient care across diverse conditions. The symposium begins by exploring the limitations of diagnosis-centric approaches and the necessity of focusing on aggression independently. Sessions delve into the biological and neurological mechanisms of aggression, highlighting advancements in neuroimaging, biomarkers, and neurochemical targets. Psychological dimensions, including cognitive distortions, emotional dysregulation, role of digitalisation, media and social learning, are examined alongside cross-diagnostic therapeutic techniques. Evidence-based pharmacological interventions and behavioral strategies are presented, emphasizing the ethical and practical implications of treating aggression as an isolated symptom. Interactive workshops and case studies enhance the learning experience, allowing participants to apply techniques like mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and environmental modifications. The symposium concludes with discussions on integrative and personalized treatment plans, incorporating precision medicine and technology to optimize aggression management.

This symposium aims to emphasize on the societal impact of untreated aggression, proposing a unified, patient-centered model that transcends traditional diagnostic boundaries. Through expert-led discussions and interactive components, participants will gain actionable insights to revolutionize the treatment of aggression, fostering better outcomes in mental health care.

Love, Affection, and the Neurobiology of Oxytocin in Human Life.

Dr. Arabinda Brahma¹, Dr. Phanikanth², Dr. Samrat Kar³, Dr. Vishal Akula⁴.

1. Director & Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Girindra Sekhar Clinic, Kolkata.

2. Associate Professor, Institute of Mental Health, Hyderabad.

3. Director & Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, The Brain Research Centre, Cuttack, Odisha

4. Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Jagityal.

Love and affection are fundamental components of human relationships, playing a vital role in social bonding, emotional well-being, and psychological resilience. Central to these experiences is oxytocin, often termed the “love hormone,” which is known to influence social behaviors and foster connection. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. It modulates numerous social interactions, including maternal behaviors, trust, empathy, and bonding between partners. This presentation explores the neurobiology of oxytocin, highlighting its role in attachment and its broader implications for mental health. We will discuss the pathways through which oxytocin influences social behavior and emotions, examining how oxytocin interacts with brain regions like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex to shape responses to social cues. Additionally, we will explore recent research into how oxytocin levels can affect stress regulation, enhance social support, and mitigate anxiety, thereby influencing overall psychological well-being.

Understanding oxytocin’s impact on love and affection also has clinical applications, particularly in treating conditions where social bonding is impaired, such as autism spectrum disorders, social anxiety, and attachment disorders. This discussion aims to provide a comprehensive overview of oxytocin’s neurobiological role in human affection, underscoring its essential contributions to mental and emotional health across the lifespan.

The Hidden Toll: Unveiling The Unseen Struggles Of Medical Faculty

Dr. Murali Thyloth ¹, Dr P. Lokeswara Reddy ²

1. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, TOMCH &RC, Bangalore

2. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, AP

Medical faculty are essential to academic institutions, balancing the demands of education, research, and clinical practice. However, the increasing pressures associated with their multifaceted roles often lead to chronic stress, burnout, and diminished well-being. Faculty members face a wide range of responsibilities beyond teaching and clinical work, including administrative duties such as committee participation, curriculum updates, and mentorship, which can stifle innovation and academic fulfillment. The relentless pressure to publish in high-impact journals adds another layer of stress. In private medical colleges, disparities in leave policies, salary uniformity, and lack of insurance coverage further exacerbate these challenges. Stringent accreditation standards require extensive documentation and adherence to regulatory norms, diverting attention from core academic pursuits. Resource constraints, including staff shortages and limited budgets, hinder faculty productivity and compromise the quality of education. Addressing these issues necessitates a proactive approach that reduces administrative burdens, streamlines compliance processes, and redistributes workloads to prevent burnout. Prioritizing mental health through work-life balance initiatives, peer support networks, and stress management workshops can help restore faculty well-being. Institutions should foster a supportive culture that recognizes the contributions of medical faculty. This symposium aims to highlight these hidden challenges and initiate a crucial dialogue on creating a healthier future for medical faculty and the institutions they serve.

Neurobiological insights in Private practice – MHCA, Burnout and Yoga

Dr. N M Patil¹, Dr. Abhay Matkar², Dr. Swaminath G³.

1. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, J.N. Medical College, Belgaum.

2. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad.

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Bharathi Nursing Home, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru.

The symposium on private practice in psychiatry will explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by practitioners in this sector. While there is a general belief that private practitioners primarily focus on clinical management and less on the neurobiology of psychiatric syndromes, this event aims to leverage extensive experience to address crucial clinical topics. The symposium will highlight contemporary neurobiological insights and their application in private practice, offering a cutting-edge perspective.

Three diverse issues have been selected to examine the neurobiological underpinnings relevant to private practice. The first topic will delve into the neurobiological understanding of the Mental Health Care Act, discussing its implications for practice. The second will focus on the pervasive issue of burnout among professionals, exploring its neurobiological aspects and impact on mental health. The third topic will cover complementary and alternative treatments, specifically yoga, and its neurobiological effects as an adjunctive therapy.

These topics collectively aim to provide insights into how neurobiology interrelates with various themes in psychiatry, enhancing understanding and practice in the private sector. By integrating these insights, the symposium seeks to improve clinical outcomes and offer innovative solutions for practitioners navigating the complexities of mental health care in a private setting.

Simulation-Based Learning In Psychiatry- Advancing Training And Skills

Dr. Suvarna Jyothi Kantipudi ¹, Dr. Nileena NKM ², Dr.Sree Kumar EJ ³

1. Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, SRMC&RI, Sriher, Chennai

2. Assistant Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, SRMC&RI, Sriher, Chennai

3. Associate Professor, Department Of Anaesthesiology, SRMC & RI, Sriher, Chennai

Simulation has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare education, offering a safe, controlled environment for learners to develop essential clinical and interpersonal skills. In psychiatry, simulation allows for the practice of complex scenarios, providing opportunities for students to engage with patients, develop empathy, and refine their communication and diagnostic abilities without risk to real patients. Modalities such as roleplay, standardized patient interactions, and virtual reality are commonly used to replicate real-world challenges and facilitate skill acquisition in a structured way.

This symposium aims to explore the growing role of simulation in psychiatric education. The first session will introduce simulation as an educational tool, covering its historical development and various forms, from traditional roleplay to advanced virtual environments. Emphasis will be placed on how simulation supports the transfer of learning to clinical settings, helps achieve educational objectives, and promotes skill development in a safe environment.

The second session will focus on the specific applications of simulation in psychiatry, highlighting how it can teach not only technical skills but also essential soft skills, such as empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence. These are critical for building therapeutic relationships with patients and addressing the unique challenges of psychiatric care.

The final session will examine evidence-based approaches to simulation in psychiatric education, sharing best practices, case studies, and strategies for evaluating and refining simulation programs. Participants will leave equipped with the tools to create impactful, evidence-driven simulation programs that enhance both clinical competencies and personal growth in psychiatric education.

The Psychedelic Revolution – A Fad or A Promising New Frontier

Dr. Tirth Sedhiya¹, Dr. Soumya Jha²

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, North Goa District Hospital, Mapusa, Goa

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Chaitanya Clinic, Vrindawan Society, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune

The resurgence of psychedelics in mainstream research and discourse has ignited intense debate about whether these substances represent a fleeting trend or signify a paradigm shift in psychiatry and mental health care. This symposium aims to explore the multifaceted narrative surrounding psychedelics, focusing on their history, risks, and therapeutic potential. The session will begin with an in-depth introduction to psychedelics, tracing their origins from indigenous ceremonial use to their controversial emergence in Western society during the 1960s. Key substances such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA will be examined, along with their mechanisms of action on serotonin pathways and potential harms, including psychosis and substance misuse. Following this, recent advances in psychedelic-assisted therapy will be discussed, highlighting studies that demonstrate their efficacy in treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety. The session will review controlled trials involving psilocybin and MDMA and their effects on neuroplasticity and emotional processing. Emphasis will also be placed on the ethical frameworks guiding psychedelic-assisted therapy and its integration into existing psychiatric paradigms. Learning objectives include understanding the pharmacological actions of psychedelics, analysing associated risks and safety protocols, examining scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic use, and evaluating the future role of psychedelics in clinical practice and mental health policy. This comprehensive exploration aims to shed light on the potential of psychedelics as transformative tools in mental health care while addressing the necessary precautions for their safe application.

Striking a Balance: Combining Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Nicotine Dependence

Dr. Abhishek Dandapath¹, Dr. Aritra Bandyopadhyay²

1. RMO cum Clinical Tutor, Department of Psychiatry, Malda Medical College and Hospital.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Soulful Steps, Kolkata, West Bengal

Nicotine dependence is a significant public health challenge, with India ranking among the largest global tobacco consumers. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2, 2016-2017) estimates that 199.4 million Indian adults use tobacco, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable deaths, underscoring the need for effective interventions.

Challenges in managing nicotine dependence include user denial of harm, communication barriers, limited healthcare engagement, and the addictive nature of nicotine. Diagnosis often employs DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria, with dependence severity assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence.A comprehensive treatment approach combines behavioral and pharmacological strategies. Behavioral interventions often follow the 5As framework: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange. This structured method fosters patient engagement and self-reflection on tobacco use. Motivational interviewing (MI) is crucial for addressing ambivalence, enhancing intrinsic motivation, and building confidence in patients to quit.Pharmacological treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. NRT, delivered via patches, gums, or lozenges, provides nicotine without harmful tobacco chemicals. Combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral interventions significantly improves quit rates.

Relapse prevention is critical for long-term success, focusing on coping mechanisms for high-risk situations, support networks, and regular follow-ups. An integrated approach leveraging behavioral and pharmacological treatments empowers patients to make sustainable health changes, reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases and improving public health outcomes.

Understanding Suicides – An Update on Neurobiology and Genetics, Women and Marginalized Groups, Impact on Caregivers and Role of Society and Government.

Dr. Naresh Vadlamani¹, Dr. Shivangi Mehta², Dr. Daljeet Kaur³, Dr. Anju Mathew⁴

1. Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Columbus Clinic, Hyderabad.

2. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh.

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Continental Hospital, Hyderabad.

4. Faculty, Dept of Psychiatry, GMC, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Deaths by Suicide is a major public health problem in India. Lots of research across the world is yielding newer perspectives in our understanding of the deaths by Suicide. It has become mandatory to keep ourselves updated about the same in order to prevent deaths by suicides based on evidence professionally. The present symposium ‘Understanding Deaths by Suicides’ aims to discuss and enlighten about the updated research in neurobiology & genetics and in marginalized groups in particular. Updated evidence based research about the Role of caregivers, governments and society at large in the prevention of deaths by suicide are also addressed in the present symposium.

Behavioural Addictions in The Newer World With Emphasis On Adolescents

Dr. Challa S V Vasan ¹, Dr. Vundi Manasa Ram ²

1. Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Anurag Special Child Care Unit, Anurag Hospital, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Indlas Child Guidance Clinic, Visakhapatnam

With the rise of technology, modernization, and accessibility, certain behaviors have become excessive, leading to impairments in personal, occupational, familial, and social environments. The prevalence of such behaviors has significantly increased over the past two decades, sharing phenomenological similarities with psychoactive substance use. Currently, the major classification systems in psychiatry, namely the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, recognize only two behavioral addictions: gambling disorder and gaming disorder, with internet gaming disorder included in the DSM-5-TR as a condition for further study. Large-scale surveys among school and college students have reported lifetime prevalence rates of gambling behavior at 27.9% and 19.5%, with problematic gambling rates at 7.1% and 7.4%. A community study in India found that 45.4% of male participants engaged in gambling behavior within the study year, with lottery being the most common form. Additionally, a cross-sectional study from Andhra Pradesh indicated a 3.5% prevalence of internet gaming disorder among high school students, predominantly affecting males (8.8% vs. 0.8%). There is a pressing need for further research on behavioral addictions, particularly in understanding vulnerabilities, neurobiological correlates, and evidence-based management strategies. The proposed symposium will discuss these aspects while emphasizing the importance of exploring prevalence, risk factors, protective factors, and effective management strategies for behavioral addictions in adolescents.

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) As A Lifeline: Revolutionizing Suicide Prevention in India

Dr. Ankita Chattopadhyay ¹, Dr. Aayushi Sobhani ², Dr. Sayani Bisoi ³, Dr. Gayatri Bhatia ⁴

1. Assistant Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, JIPMER, Puducherry

2. Senior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi

3. Senior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Kalyani

4. Assistant Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Rajkot

Suicide is a significant global health problem that necessitates effective preventive strategies to reduce its incidence. This symposium aims to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in studying suicide, focusing on improving the accuracy of risk prediction, identifying key predictors and their interactions, and facilitating clinical subgrouping of patients. AI can aid in crisis identification and timely intervention at both individual and population levels by identifying at-risk groups and individuals. However, ethical challenges arise in developing and applying AI technology in healthcare, including concerns about undermining human autonomy, safety issues related to unsupervised models, and the sensitive nature of suicide prevention. In India, a practical challenge is the lack of a comprehensive health database with accessible training data; even with a database, risks of data leaks and misuse present significant concerns. Following the decriminalization of suicide attempts under the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, and the establishment of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) in 2022, suicide prevention has become a public health priority. It will be interesting to observe how AI can contribute to suicide prevention in India as effective surveillance mechanisms are implemented through Management Information Systems (MIS) by 2025. The symposium will address these aspects while discussing the current state of research and evidence on the therapeutic use of AI in suicide prevention.

Punding Behaviour in Neurocognitive Disorders: A New Horizon in Management Of Behavioural And Psychological Symptoms

Dr. Shailendra Mohan Tripathi ¹, Dr. Porimita Chutia ², Dr. Samiksha Supranjali³

1. Additional Professor, Department Of Geriatric Mental Health, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India & Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, Institute Of Medical Sciences, University Of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

2. Assistant Professor, Department Of Geriatric Mental Health, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India

3. DM Trainee, Department Of Geriatric Mental Health, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India

The term “Punding” was coined by Friedman in 1994 in a patient with Parkinson’s Disease treated with levodopa. Punding is complex stereotyped behaviour denoted by excessive, non- goal-directed, repetitive patterns of engagement in various tasks like handling, examining, or sorting through common objects. Gradually it has been linked with other neurodegenerative disorders like dementia, stroke, psychiatric illnesses like depression, bipolar disorders, psychosis, amphetamine, cocaine abuse, and medications like disulfiram(7)The available literature focused mainly on punding in Parkinson’s disease, but a quite high prevalence of punding behaviour has been observed in other neurocognitive disorders especially Alzheimer’s disease in our clinical practice. Earlier, punding was mostly related with hyperdopaminergic conditions but its occurrence in dementia is still unclear. The neurobiology of punding primarily involves dopaminergic dysfunction, the brainstem serotonergic system, and other neurotransmitters. Understanding neurobiological correlates of punding and its association with neurocognitive disorders can open a new avenue to help manage the behavioural and psychological symptoms in neurocognitive disorders.

With this background, we are presenting a symposium with the aims To explore the neurobiology and other neural correlates of Punding. To assess the relationship of punding with neurocognitive disorders and to explore the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities for the management of punding.

Developing quality indicators for managing serious mental illness – Rural Canadian perspective

Dr. Sanjay Siddhartha¹.

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Serious mental illnesses (SMIs) significantly impact society, contributing to increased mortality and morbidity. Over the past 75 years, management strategies for these conditions have evolved considerably. However, a notable gap remains between evidence-based literature and clinical practice, particularly in rural settings. This symposium aims to address this “chasm” by highlighting discrepancies and proposing practical solutions to align practice with evidence. The presentation will focus on four key areas of SMI management: Clozapine, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Depo Neuroleptics, and the Assertive Community Treatment approach. This symposium will explore current practices that diverge from evidence-based recommendations and suggest straightforward solutions for integrating these interventions into routine care. By fostering dialogue among practitioners, we aim to promote consistent application of evidence-based strategies, particularly in rural areas where access to mental health services is limited.

AI-Powered Digital Cognitive Assessments to Improve Outcomes

Dr. Venu Gopal Jhanwar¹, Dr. Shabbir Amanullah², Dr. Vinay Singh³

1. Department of Psychiatry, Deva Mental Health Care, Varanasi, India

2. Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

3. Divsion of Digital Biomarker Research, Orange Neurosciences, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom across various psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), PTSD, psychosis, and OCD. In India, where over 1.4 billion people live, mental health disorders affect nearly 15% of the population, with cognitive impairments significantly impacting quality of life and treatment outcomes. The increasing availability of digital tools and AI-powered assessments offers a promising opportunity to enhance cognitive evaluation and interventions in clinical practice. Cognition, as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), involves mental processes such as thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving. Cognitive domains like memory, attention, language, and executive functions can be disrupted in psychiatric conditions. For instance, in depression and anxiety, attention and memory deficits impair decision-making and emotional regulation. MCI and psychosis often lead to more severe cognitive decline, especially in memory and executive function. PTSD is associated with memory dysfunction and hypervigilance, while OCD typically involves deficits in cognitive flexibility and planning. Given the variability in cognitive dysfunction across these disorders, standardized cognitive assessments are essential for tailoring effective treatment plans.

This symposium will bring together psychiatrists to explore the role of cognition in managing conditions like ADHD and to discuss how digital assessments and therapies can enhance patient outcomes. The integration of these advanced tools in clinical practice has the potential to improve both the precision of diagnoses and the effectiveness of treatments.

tRNS: Basics and Applications

Dr. Shashank Saurabh Sinha¹, Dr. Mohd Aman Naqvi², Dr. Farzana Rizvi²

1. Assistant Professor, Dept of Geriatric Mental Health, King George Medical University, Lucknow.

2. Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, King George Medical University, Lucknow.

Transcranial Random Noise Simulation (tRNS) is a neuromodulation technique that applies weak, randomly varying electrical currents to the scalp, aiming to enhance neural plasticity and cognitive functions. Unlike constant-current methods like tDCS, tRNS’s stochastic signal may engage a wider range of neural circuits, improving attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. It also shows potential in treating conditions such as depression, chronic pain, and stroke recovery. This presentation reviews tRNS’s mechanisms, current applications, and research findings, noting its promise and the need for further investigation into optimal parameters and long-term effects.

Psychotherapy - On Contested Spaces And Historical Divides

Dr. Alok Sarin¹, Dr. Sanjeev Jain², Dr. Ananya Mahapatra³, Dr. Pratap Sharan⁴, Dr Kaushik Chatterjee⁵.

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science & Research, New Delhi.

2. Professor, NIMHANS, Bengaluru.

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Cognis Mind Care, New Delhi.

4. Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi.

5. Consultant Psychiatrist, Bengaluru.

The space that psychotherapy occupies in the landscape of psychiatric practice, especially in the Indian context is an interesting one. The concept of what is called psychotherapy has developed over the last 150 years or so, as the subjective experiences of those with mental illness become better understood, and attempts are made to develop models to explain and intervene in these. Many of these models were derived from existing models (laws of transformation of energy applied to psychic energy); or new models (of conditioning and competing Marxist and capitalist worldviews); and various reformulations thereafter. All of these occurred within a framework of renaissance in Europe; and were specifically ‘secular’ in intent as they tried to go past religious, political or feudal structures. In India, with its complex colonial legacy, these structures have jostled uneasily with each other, and with the dizzying developmental arc of biomedicine at the same time. This presentation is an attempt to unpack some of these concepts and narrate some of these stories from a historical gaze.

Alcoholism And Cinema: An Appraisal

Dr Gulbahar Singh Sidhu¹, Dr Deepali Gul², Dr Vishal Chhabra³, Dr Fabian Almeida⁴

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Doaba Hospital, Jalandhar (Punjab)

2. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, Jalandhar (Punjab)

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi.

4. Consultant Psychiatrist, Director, Happy Nests Counselling Center, Kalyan, Mumbai

Alcoholism is a major public health problem with far-reaching social ramifications. The depiction of alcoholism on the silver screen influences public perception in a significant way. This assumes even more importance in the backdrop of the emergence of OTT platforms.

The symposium examines how Bollywood has depicted this problem, focusing on both its positive and negative aspects, and how the OTT platforms have approached it. We aim to showcase the movies that have realistically portrayed the problem of alcoholism and contrast it with the stereotyped portrayal seen on the silver screen down the years.

Technological Frontiers in Psychiatry - Exploring Virtual Reality (VR) from Concept to Clinical Practice

Dr. Gopal Das Chikkerahally Mohandas¹, Dr. Mahesh R Gowda², Mr. Raunak S³, Dr. V. Anupama⁴, Ms. Nishtha Budhiraja⁵

1. Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education & Research (CDSIMER), Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru

2. Director & Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Spandana Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru

3. Cognitive Scientist, Founder - CEO, Wundrsight Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru

4. Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education & Research (CDSIMER), Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru

5. Scientific lead & Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Wundrsight Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru

Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, pose a significant public health challenge in India. Despite the high prevalence, a substantial treatment gap exists, largely due to the lack of trained professionals. Digital interventions, such as training non-specialist workers, have expanded access to care, aligning with the WHO’s Global Strategy on Digital Health. Virtual Reality (VR), a 3D computer-generated immersive environment, offers transformative potential in mental health care. By providing safe and ecologically valid environments, VR enhances traditional psychological treatments and helps address maladaptive behaviors, as supported by Matamala-Gomez’s 2021 study. A scoping review reveals VR’s application in treating anxiety, stress, addiction, and medical education, with evidence showing its effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and accessibility as an augmentation to standard care. Preliminary findings from an interventional study indicate that VR relaxation techniques yield stress reduction and improvements in sympathetic dominance comparable to traditional methods, with further analysis ongoing. This symposium, titled “Technological Frontiers in Psychiatry - Exploring Virtual Reality from Concept to Clinical Practice,” explores VR’s transformative role in mental health care and its integration into Indian psychiatric practice.

Beyond the Years: Navigating the path to successful aging

Nidhi Dwivedi¹, Dr (Prof) Prathama Guha², Dr Rajarshi Neogi³, Megha Rathi⁴

1. Associate Clinical Psychologist, Carring Minds, Kolkata

2. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Calcutta National Medical College, West Bengal

3. Faculty, Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata, West Bengal

4. Senior Clinical Psychologist & Supervisor, Caring Minds, Kolkata, West Bengal; Guest faculty, Department of Applied Psychology, University of Calcutta

Successful aging is a multidimensional concept that encompasses life satisfaction, good health, and positive mental health, with bio-psychosocial factors playing a critical role in ensuring a meaningful life. Psychological support is vital in facilitating successful aging. The first session defines successful aging and explores the bio-psychosocial factors that are associated with it, emphasizing their importance in achieving this milestone during late adulthood. Second speaker will then discuss clinical assessment tools used to measure successful aging and mental health issues in the elderly. She also provides practical bedside tips and structured tools to evaluate psychological well-being in this population. Third speaker will address the clinical obstacles and causal factors of geriatric mental health problems, including both clinical and subclinical syndromes. The session also covers psychiatric treatments to help manage these aging-related challenges. Lastly, evidence-based psychotherapy modifications, highlighting an integrated approach to managing successful aging will be explored. This includes strategies for addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being, as well as therapeutic strategies, resilience-building, and lifestyle modifications aimed at tackling mental health challenges in aging.

Brain on Nutrition: The Role of Diet in the Journey from Illness to Wellness

Dr Varsha Sriperambudoori¹, Dr Saketh Reddy², Dr Versi L³

1. Resident, D.M. Addiction Psychiatry, AIIMS, Delhi

2. Senior Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, Government medical college, Jagtial

3. Deputy Civil Surgeon & Psychiatry Specialist, Government medical college, Karimnagar

Diet and mental health are closely interconnected, with increasing evidence showing that nutrition has a significant impact on brain function. Nutritional Psychiatry explores how diets and nutrients affect mental health, with studies indicating that the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, is linked to reduced depression and better cognitive health. Deficiencies in key nutrients like vitamins B12, B1, B9, and B3 have been associated with psychiatric symptoms, although clear dietary treatment guidelines are still lacking. Dietary interventions have shown promise in the management of mental health conditions, although the outcomes are mixed. Elimination diets that exclude artificial additives have shown modest benefits for ADHD, while fatty acid and micronutrient supplements have produced small improvements. High-sugar, high-fat diets may worsen symptoms, and nutritional interventions in autism have varied in effectiveness, highlighting the need for further research. Micronutrient supplementation may offer benefits for cognitive health, but the role of vitamin D remains inconclusive. Early nutrition is also crucial for brain development, with deficiencies in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids linked to cognitive impairments. Nutritional interventions during the first 1,000 days of life may reduce future mental health risks. Additionally, the gut microbiome, influenced by dietary components such as fiber and polyphenols, plays an important role in conditions like anxiety and depression. While causality between nutrition and mental health is not yet fully understood, balanced diets are known to improve overall well-being. Future research, particularly focused on the microbiome-brain axis, may uncover more effective dietary strategies for mental health management.

Alcohol Use Disorder and Injury Outcomes: Prevalence, Severity, and Management Challenges in Emergency Care in South India

Dr. Naveen Kumar Dhagudu¹, Dr. Richa², Dr. Bhagyashree³

1. Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Yashoda Hospital, Hitech City, Hyderabad.

2. Assistant professor in Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, Gorakhpur

3. Junior residency at ESIC Medical College, hyderabad

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and injuries are a growing public health concern in emergency settings around the world. In addition, alcohol is the leading risk factor for death in males aged 15-59 and was responsible for 7.2% of premature mortality worldwide in 2016. Many patients who present with injuries in the emergency setting have a diagnosis of AUD. This presentation focuses on findings of a study, which aimed to estimate the prevalence and types of injuries among patients with AUD in an emergency department, assessing the association between AUD and injury severity, and explore emergency staff management strategies. A mixed-methods design was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative component analyzed medical records of injured patients with documented AUD, while the qualitative component used semi-structured interviews with emergency staff. The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad, India. The highest prevalence of alcohol use was found in males aged 26-44, with traffic accidents and head injuries most common. Higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels were associated with more severe injuries. Regression analyses showed a significant positive relationship between the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) scores and injury severity, emphasizing alcohol consumption as a risk factor for severe injuries. Management challenges included low treatment engagement and barriers such as stigma and ambivalence about seeking care.

Alcohol use significantly impacts injury severity, particularly in traffic accidents. There is a need for targeted interventions and effective management strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm. Emergency settings should enhance their capacity to provide personalized treatment and follow-up care to improve patient outcomes.

Role Of Large-Scale Neurocognitive Network Across Psychiatric Disorder

Dr Aakanksha Malhotra ¹, Dr Althea S Wotsa ², Dr Sourav Bag ³

1. Senior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Delhi.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Faith Hospital And Institute Of Medical Sciences, Dimpur

3. Senior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, Institute Of Psychiatry- Centre Of Excellence, Kolkata.

Multiple psychiatric disorders share a common feature which is the presence of cognitive deficits, particularly in working memory, executive control and attribution of salience. Also, psychiatric disorders share common neurobiological correlates in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), insula, dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), parietal and temporal cortices. Since the discovery of the large-scale brain networks, we are being able to see the brain and its connections as a whole and it is evident that functionality of the brain depends on multiple areas of brain working in a synchronized way. Psychiatric disorders can also be explained to some extent in the mirror of large-scale neurocognitive network as well. This can give us a better and wholesome understanding of the psychiatric disorders in the coming time.

Opioid dependence: The current state of opioid crisis, upcoming challenges and future innovations

Dr. Deepak Rout¹, Dr. Geethu Parvathy O¹, Dr. Sneha Mary Minz².

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Manipal Tata Medical College, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.

2. Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Manipal Tata Medical College, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.

The opioid crisis remains a pressing global public health challenge, with significant impacts on both national and international levels. This presentation will explore the current state of the opioid epidemic, focusing on recent trends and their public health implications, including neurobiological abnormalities and withdrawal syndromes associated with opioid dependence. We will examine the treatment gap between traditional approaches and innovative strategies, highlighting evidence-based treatments informed by recent research. Additionally, we will look ahead to the future of opioid dependence management, emphasizing the role of government policies as both facilitators and barriers to effective treatment. The need for protocol reformation and robust relapse prevention strategies will be addressed. The presentation will also consider next-generation innovations in policy and prevention, aiming to reduce stigma and improve access to care through culturally appropriate programs and technology integration. By synthesizing these insights, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions in addressing the opioid crisis.

Child In Conflict With Law – A Symposium

Dr. P. S. Kundu¹, Dr. Disha Mukherjee², Dr. Madhurima Khasnobis³

1. Associate Professor, IOP, IPGMER& SSKM Hospitals, Kolkata

2. Senior Resident, IOP, IPGMER& SSKM Hospitals, Kolkata

3. Scientist B, Indo-Swedish Project, ICMR-Centre for Aging & Mental Health

A “Child in Conflict with Law” is defined under Section 2(13) of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as a child under 18 years of age who is alleged or found to have committed an offence. While children are born innocent, various factors such as family, peer, societal, and individual influences can lead them to adopt delinquent behaviors. These behaviors range from petty thefts and substance abuse to severe crimes like murder and sexual assault. Juvenile delinquency differs from adult offending due to developmental differences and the potential for rehabilitation. Adolescents can learn non-violent emotional regulation through family and social support. Addressing juvenile delinquency requires early symptom recognition, timely interventions, support systems, and a robust rehabilitative justice framework. In India, juvenile crimes have far-reaching consequences for young offenders, their families, and society. Victims face immediate harm, while offenders deal with socio-economic and psychological challenges that affect their families and communities. This discussion will delve into the complex issue of juvenile delinquency, providing a comprehensive overview of the types of offenses committed by juveniles and the various factors contributing to their behavior. It will also address the diagnostic challenges and risk factors associated with childhood behavioral problems, which are often precursors to delinquent behavior. Additionally, the session will explore the obstacles and practical challenges faced in juvenile rehabilitation, as well as the legal responses aimed at addressing juvenile delinquency.

Online Betting and Gambling Disorders in Youth: Identifying Symptoms, Effective Treatments, and Counseling Approaches.

Dr. George Reddy¹, Dr. Vishal Akula², Dr. Sridhar D³, Dr. P Manmohan Raju⁴

1. Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Healthy Brain Clinic, Hyderabad.

2.Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Jagityal.

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Citi Neuro Hospital, Hyderabad.

4. Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, RVM Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Center, Hyderabad.

With the growing accessibility of online betting and gambling platforms, gambling disorders among youth have become an emerging mental health concern. This presentation delves into the rise of online gambling disorders among young people, exploring the profound impact on their emotional, social, and academic well-being. Unlike traditional forms of gambling, online betting is available 24/7, providing instant access, which can lead to compulsive behavior and financial distress at an early age. The discussion will begin by identifying key symptoms of online gambling addiction, such as preoccupation with gambling, unsuccessful attempts to cut back, and increasing risky behavior. Recognizing these early warning signs is critical for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to intervene effectively. Following symptom identification, we will examine evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to youth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and family-based interventions will be discussed as effective tools to address compulsive gambling behaviors and underlying emotional triggers. Additionally, strategies for managing impulse control and financial literacy will be explored to help prevent relapse. The session will also highlight counselling techniques that foster resilience and self-regulation, equipping young individuals with healthier coping mechanisms and promoting responsible online behavior. By focusing on a holistic approach that includes awareness, prevention, and tailored interventions, we aim to provide a comprehensive framework to support youth affected by online gambling disorders.

Undergraduate CBME Curriculum in Psychiatry: Past, Present and The Future

Dr. Bheemsain Tekkalaki ¹, Prof. Mohan Isaac ², Dr. M Kishor ³

1. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, JNMC, Belagavi

2. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia, Crawley WA, Australia

3. Professor And Head, Dept of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College, Mysuru

The National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) in India in 2019, with a revised curriculum implemented on September 12, 2024, featuring significant changes in the teaching and learning of psychiatry. This symposium aims to critically evaluate the undergraduate psychiatry training under the CBME framework, focusing on recent revisions. We will compare psychiatry training before and after the implementation of CBME and discuss opportunities to enhance this training in light of the new curriculum. The results will highlight India’s progress in comparison to international standards, particularly regarding the integration of certifiable skills within institutions and the creation of a question bank for summative assessments, which is currently not mandatory in medical examinations. The discussions will encompass an international overview of psychiatry education, an analysis of pre- and post-CBME training experiences, and future directions for improving psychiatry education. By examining these aspects, the symposium will provide insights into how the revised CBME curriculum can better prepare medical graduates to meet the evolving needs of mental health care in India.

Deprescription of Psychiatric Medications: Psychiatry Redefined

Dr. Raviteja Innamuri ¹, Dr. Sai Krishna Puli ², Dr. Abhinav Chichra ³, Dr. Sharad Phillip ⁴

1. Consultant and District Psychiatrist, Government of Telangana, Nizamabad, Telangana

2. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana

3. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu

4. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam

The long-term use of psychiatric medications has become increasingly prevalent, raising concerns about polypharmacy, side effects, dependency, quality of life and reinforcing the stigma attached to psychiatry. Often, withdrawal or discontinuation due to taper of psychiatric medication is seen as relapse or recurrence, eventually leading to continuation or even worse, increase in the dosage of medication. Deprescription—the planned and supervised reduction or discontinuation of medications—is a critical yet underexplored component of psychiatric care. More than 50 years after the introduction of the first psychotropic medication, the evidence based Deprescription guidelines that are now available are a respite for many clients who get started on psychiatric medication for diagnosis such as adjustment disorder or acute polymorphic psychosis but are unable to stop medication only because of withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome.

Designed for mental health professionals, this symposium aims to provide a comprehensive overview of deprescription in psychiatry, highlighting its necessity, challenges, strategies for implementation and resources to support safe medication reduction. The symposium will address key topics such as identifying candidates for deprescription, managing withdrawal symptoms, and integrating non-pharmacological interventions. Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based tapering protocols, ethical considerations, and the importance of shared decision-making in promoting patient-centered care for long-term well-being and recovery.

Digital Interventions in Military Psychiatry: Bridging Innovation and Mental Health Care

Brig (Dr.) Vinay Chauhan¹, Col (Dr.) Virendra Vikram¹, Col (Dr.) Bikram Dutta¹, Maj (Dr.) Shradha Khatri².

1. Psychiatrist, AFMS.

2. Psychiatrist, 174 Military Hospital, Bathinda, Punjab.

Military personnel face unique psychological challenges due to the high stress and high-stakes environments inherent to their roles. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches that align with the demands of operational readiness and resilience. Digital interventions, including telepsychiatry, mobile applications, wearable technology, and artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing mental health care in the military context by enhancing accessibility, scalability, and personalized care. This symposium explores the transformative potential of digital tools in military psychiatry, emphasizing their role in early detection, intervention, and ongoing support for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction and traumatic brain injuries. This symposium aims to identify opportunities, challenges, and best practices for leveraging digital innovations and also to advance the conversation on integrating digital innovations into military mental health care. Key topics include the integration of virtual reality for trauma-focused therapies, the use of AI-driven analytics for risk assessment and tailored treatment plans, and the deployment of mobile platforms for remote psychological support. Ethical considerations, cybersecurity, and the need for culturally competent design tailored to military populations are also addressed. The methods used will be by convening experts from Psychiatry, and military leadership along with highlighting cutting-edge research, practical applications, and case studies. The ultimate goal is to foster a proactive mental health care system and to gain insights into creating resilient support systems that meet the evolving needs of service members, their families and veterans, ensuring a healthier, mission-ready force in the digital era.

Continuous care for Persons with Severe mental disorders

Dr. Chandrashekar H¹, Dr. Dhananjaya S², Mr. Augusthya A³.

1. Professor and HOD, Department of Psychiatry, ESIC Medical College, Rajajinagar.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, ESI Model Hospital, Union Ministry of Labor.

3. Sumana Charitable Trust, Bengaluru.

“Who after me“ is the major concern for the families with a family member with Severe Mental Disorders (SMDs). Also families with PwMIs get isolated from the neighborhood, relatives and friends due to stigma, guilt and care giving burdens. Similar families living in proximity helps them to have emotional support like “We are not alone”. Saksham Sumana Inclusive living (SSIL) is initiated by Sumana Trust (R) a public charitable Trust located in Bengaluru. It is a supported housing model equipped with all the support systems for the PwMI and families. Families Living in group will be able to organize many services both for Mental health and General health for PwMIs/ families effectively and economically SSIL plans to have Psychosocial Rehabilitation services(PRS) at the door step rather than the families reaching out which is a major challenge in metro cities. Training PwMIs for independent living (without family caregiver) with external support systems is the main objective of Saksham Sumana Inclusive Living.

Suicidality In Adolescents And Young Adults

Prof. Rama Rao Gogineni ¹, Dr. Janaki Nimmagadda ², Dr. Savita Malhotra ³

1. Professor Of Psychiatry, Senior Educator In Developmental Psychiatry, Cooper Medical School Of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey

2. Associate Professor, Psychiatry, Residency Program Director And Clerkship Director, Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, Uab Heersink School Of Medicine, Huntsville, Alabama

3. Consultant, Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Mohali; Retired Dean, And Professor Head, Department Of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh

Suicide is a significant public health concern in India, ranking as the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 in 2019, with an alarming statistic indicating that for every suicide, at least 20 individuals attempt it. The aim is to learn effective methods for assisting suicidal, parasuicidal, and self-injurious youth and their families through evidence-based bio-psycho-social and family approaches. Key risk factors contributing to suicidal behavior include mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, conduct disorder, anxiety, personality disorders, substance use, trauma-related disorders, and negative familial issues. Common methods of suicide among adolescents include hanging and poisoning. A comprehensive suicide prevention strategy is crucial and should encompass identifying at-risk youth, intervening to prevent attempts, addressing access to lethal means, and reducing the lethality of methods used in attempts. Neurobiological studies indicate that suicide victims often exhibit abnormalities in serotonin and noradrenergic mechanisms, HPA axis dysfunction, and inflammatory markers. Engaging families in treatment can strengthen support systems and improve communication. Psychoeducation, psychotherapies, and cognitive behavioral interventions are beneficial. Addressing suicidal behaviors in youth is an urgent priority due to the devastating consequences for families and communities. By focusing on these aspects, we can work towards reducing the incidence of youth suicides and improving mental health outcomes overall.

Rich Club Network and QEEG in Psychiatry: The Framework to Understand Mental Wellness and Illness

Dr. Murugappan S P¹, Dr. Vikas Prabhav²

1. Senior Consultant, Ultimate Brain Clinic, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, The Vivid Mind Clinic, Chennai.

The rich club network is an elite subset of highly interconnected hubs within the brain’s connectome that supports integrated mental functioning. This symposium delves into the rich club as a critical foundation for cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and adaptive mental functioning. The connectivity between structures in the rich club enables rapid, efficient global communication across distant brain regions. Composed of structures like the precuneus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), the superior parietal lobes, and the thalamus, connecting to form networks such as the Default Mode Network (DMN), Salience Network (SN), and Central Executive Network (CEN), the rich club integrates diverse neural inputs essential for maintaining optimal mental functioning.

We propose to describe and explore the structures, connectivity and functions of the rich club and how disruptions in the rich club may contribute to the pathology of mental illness, illustrating its utmost relevance to psychiatry. We will also introduce Quantitative EEG (QEEG) as an innovative tool to map rich club dynamics in real time, identifying connectivity patterns that may serve as biomarkers of mental states and potential targets for therapeutic intervention. This session will provide an overall QEEG perspective of psychiatry and the QEEG’s role in an evidence based psychiatric practice, of mental wellness and illness.

Climate Change And Mental Health

Dr Sushil Gawande ¹, Dr Neha Bhave Salankar ², Dr Vivek Kirpekar ¹, Dr Sudhir Bhave ¹, Dr Romesh Bagde ³

1. Professor, NKP Salve Institute Of Medical Sciences And Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, NKP Salve Institute Of Medical Sciences And Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur

3. Assistant Professor, NKP Salve Institute Of Medical Sciences And Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur

Eco-anxiety, is an anxiety and concern about the impact of climate change on an individual, society and ecosystem. It is rising among young people and activists. Impact of climate change on mental health is not restricted to eco-anxiety. It is much more wider than this and is largely unrecognized.

In India, rising incidences of suicide among farmers has a strong correlation with climate change. Climate related environmental stressors such as droughts, floods, conflicts, displacements and rising temperatures affect mental health negatively. It is difficult to cope with the destruction, loss and displacement caused by climate change.

Climate change can have direct and indirect impact on mental health. It can lead to mental health issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety disorders and Suicides. It can increase the risk of or precipitate Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorders and Cognitive disorders. It affects the interpersonal relationships and may lead to rise in interpersonal aggression.

People with pre-existing mental health conditions, lower socioeconomic status, females, children and older people are more vulnerable for the mental health impact of climate change. We need to prioritize the mental health when dealing with conditions of climate change.

Mind Meets Machine: The Role of AI in Modern Psychiatry

Dr Srikrishna Nukala¹, Dr Srinivas Singisetti², Dr Niveditha Vasireddy².

1. Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, GIMSR, Visakhapatnam.

2. Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, GIMSR, Visakhapatnam.

This symposium aims to explore the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in the field of psychiatry. The discussions will cover foundational concepts of AI in healthcare, its emerging role in the diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders, and a critical analysis of the future potential, advantages, and challenges associated with AI in psychiatry.

The first session introduces AI’s basic concepts and applications in healthcare, discussing key technologies like machine learning and deep learning. These tools are revolutionizing healthcare delivery by enhancing predictive analytics and enabling personalized treatment plans. The second session highlights AI’s role in psychiatry, offering novel methods for diagnosing and managing mental health disorders. It will explore how AI identifies patterns, predicts psychiatric conditions, and personalizes therapy approaches, thus transforming mental health care. The final session focuses on the future trajectory of AI in psychiatry, considering both promises and potential pitfalls. It will explore advancements on the horizon while critically examining challenges such as biases in AI algorithms, ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-based decision-making, and the risk of over-reliance on AI.

Overall, this symposium aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI’s impact on psychiatry and encourage discussion on how these advancements may reshape mental health care. By addressing these topics, the symposium seeks to inspire future research and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes.

Revisiting Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Evolution of Concept, Management Approaches and Recent Advances

Dr. Shinjini Choudhury ¹, Dr. Pankaj Kumar ², Dr. Sujita Kumar Kar ³

1. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Patna.

2. Additional Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, And HOD, AIIMS, Patna.

3. Additional Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow.

Since its introduction by Reisberg and colleagues in the late 1980s, the concept of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) has evolved significantly, transitioning from a categorical approach to a clinical spectrum of cognitive impairment. MCI serves as an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia, yet controversies persist regarding the heterogeneity of its clinical features, diagnostic validity, and clinical utility of current diagnostic criteria. With an average progression rate from MCI to dementia estimated at 10-15% per year, early detection and intervention are critical. As our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of MCI advances, treatment approaches have also adapted, incorporating biomarkers to predict progression risk. Interventions can be categorized into non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies aimed at improving cognitive functioning or modifying disease progression. Recent innovations in the field include the use of machine learning for early detection of cognitive decline and the exploration of both cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral fluid biomarkers to determine MCI etiology and progression risk. Additionally, novel management approaches such as assistive robotics, exemplified by CARMEN (Cognitively Assistive Robot for Motivation and Neurorehabilitation), have shown promise in helping individuals with MCI enhance memory, attention, and executive functioning skills at home. This evolving landscape underscores the importance of ongoing research and adaptation in the diagnosis and management of MCI.

Psychosis: A Cross-Culture Perspective between Indian and American Psychiatrists

Dr. Bheemsain Tekkalaki¹, Dr. Zahid Syed², Stuti Sharma³.

1. Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KAHER’s J.N Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.

3. Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, KAHER’s J.N Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka.

Psychosis, affecting approximately 23 million people globally, presents with diverse clinical manifestations and treatment approaches across different cultural contexts. Despite shared genetic underpinnings and core phenotypic features, the experience and management of psychosis vary significantly worldwide. This symposium delves into these cross-cultural themes by comparing archetypical cases of chronic schizophrenia from Belgaum, Karnataka, India, and Philadelphia, United States. Through this comparative analysis, the session aims to highlight key similarities and differences across five domains: (1) diagnostic constructs, (2) clinical presentations, (3) treatment strategies, (4) health system configurations, and (5) cultural norms.

By reviewing the case histories of individuals from these distinct settings, the presentation seeks to illuminate how cultural and systemic factors shape the understanding and management of psychosis. The discussion will explore how societal attitudes influence patient outcomes and family involvement in care. This symposium is part of a collaborative initiative between KLE University in Belagavi, India, and Thomas Jefferson University in the United States, emphasizing the value of international partnerships in enhancing mental health care through mutual learning. This presentation aims to foster greater cross-cultural awareness and innovation in addressing psychosis worldwide, highlighting the benefits of international collaboration for advancing understanding and care for individuals with psychosis.

Endoxifen-The Diverse Molecule

Dr. Ankit Halder¹, Dr. Parth Nagda², Dr. Akhil Joshi³.

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Santiniketan Medical College, Bolpur, West Bengal.

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai.

3. Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, DY Patil Medical College, Kolhapur.

Endoxifen, a protein kinase C inhibitor (PKC), has been approved for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder. Recent literature also suggests its potential use in other psychiatric conditions, including impulsivity associated with borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, and more. In this series, we highlight cases that demonstrate the diverse applications of this molecule in clinical practice. There is substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of endoxifen in bipolar affective disorder, and it shows promise when compared to commonly used mood stabilizers. Our cases also indicate that endoxifen can produce positive outcomes in other major psychiatric disorders. Moreover, its relatively safer side effect profile makes it an appealing option. Further research and exploratory studies are needed to fully validate these findings and support its broader clinical use.

Acute and transient psychotic disorder 30 years hence - where do we stand and where do we go from here?

Dr Savita Malhotra, Dr Debasish Basu, Dr Swapnajeet Sahoo.

Dept of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh

This symposium provides a comprehensive exploration of Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorder (ATPD), focusing on its conceptual evolution, long-term outcomes, and neurobiological and immunobiological underpinnings. Since its introduction in ICD-10, ATPD has intrigued psychiatrists due to its episodic nature, variable prognosis, and unclear etiology. The symposium aims to answer critical questions about its current understanding and future trajectory over the next three decades. The first presentation will examine whether ATPD’s diagnostic criteria and conceptualization have shifted over time, particularly in relation to other psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Second presenter will present findings from follow-up studies, exploring ATPD’s natural course, recurrence rates, and nosological boundaries, questioning its distinctiveness from other psychoses. Third speaker will highlight recent advances in neurobiology and immunobiology, focusing on neuroimaging, genetics, and immune markers that inform ATPD’s pathophysiology, with an emphasis on neuroinflammation. Finally potential breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and research directions will be discussed. This symposium aims to bridge knowledge gaps and stimulate new research avenues, enhancing understanding of ATPD’s implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in psychiatric practice.

Neurobiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): From Molecular Insights to Clinical Applications

Dr Ratnayake Amaranayake¹.

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Northern Health – Victoria Australia.

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder impacting approximately 8.0% of children and adolescents globally. This disorder frequently persists into adulthood, affecting long-term functioning. Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD carries a substantial global disease burden. Neurobiological studies identify ADHD as a complex condition with genetic, neuroanatomical, and neurochemical foundations, including significant involvement of multiple neurochemical pathways and brain circuits.

This presentation focuses on findings of a study, which aimed to synthesize recent neurobiological research to elucidate the pathophysiological foundations of ADHD. By integrating genetic, neuroimaging, and neurochemical data, we seek to establish a comprehensive neurobiological framework that aligns with ADHD’s clinical presentations and aids in developing targeted therapies. The research involved a detailed literature review using various databases to compile pertinent neurobiological studies on ADHD and therapeutics. ADHD’s pathophysiology extends beyond dopamine deficiency, involving multiple brain regions like the amygdala and cerebellar pathways. The disorder includes issues with dopamine release, receptor modulation, and associated nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms surpass traditional categories, incorporating emotional dysregulation and response inhibition issues, explained by neuroanatomical and neurobiological insights.

This review confirms that ADHD is linked with neurobiological deviations in specific brain structures and neurotransmitter systems, affecting attention, reward processing, and emotional regulation. It emphasizes the need for multimodal diagnostics and interventions targeting dopamine and other neurotransmitter pathways. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track neurobiological changes during treatment and identify predictors of therapeutic outcomes, promoting more personalized and effective ADHD management strategies.

Issues And Challenges in Rehabilitation of Homeless Individuals with Mental Illness - South Indian Experience

Dr. Uday Kumar ¹, Dr. Minhazjafar Nazirabadi ², Dr. Panneer Selvam ³, Dr. Murali Thyloth ⁴

1. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Narayana Medical College, Nellore, AP.

2. Professor & HOD, Dept of Psychiatry, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad

3. Director, Sneka mind care centre, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

4. Professor, Oxford Medical college, Bangalore, Karnataka; Immediate Past President of WAPR

Rehabilitating Homeless individuals with Mental illness presents unique challenges due to the complex interplay of Mental health, social stigma, poverty and lack of structured policies in south India where cultural, economic and systemic diversity coexist. Needs innovative community-based approach are critical to addressing this multifaceted issue. It is to conclude that collaborative efforts involving Government Agencies, nonprofits and community leaders are essential to create sustainable models to reintegrate these findings which provide valuable insights for replicating and scaling similar programs across the country.

Digital bets- Real consequences: understanding the psychological impact of online gambling

Dr. Sujit Sarkhel¹, Dr. Aratrika Sen², Dr. Urmi Sanyal³, Dr. Sucheta Chatterjee³

1. Professor, Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata, West Bengal

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Priority Medical Clinic, Kolkata, West Bengal

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Kolkata, West Bengal

Gambling involves playing games or taking risks for money or desired outcomes. With deep cultural roots, India’s online gambling market has grown to 12.17 million users, expected to expand by 8.5% annually. Illegal gambling in India generates an estimated $60 billion market. Pathological gambling is classified as a “behavioral addiction” in DSM-5 and ICD-11 and is linked to multiple psychiatric comorbidities, severely impacting socio-occupational functioning, family structures, and society. Emotionally vulnerable, dissocial, or impulsive individuals are particularly susceptible. Studies indicate over 90% of pathological gamblers have a psychiatric disorder, with more than 60% having three or more comorbid conditions. Common comorbidities include substance use, impulse control, and mood or anxiety disorders. Those with pathological gambling often seek help due to financial, legal, or social crises, with stressors frequently exacerbating mood symptoms and triggering suicidal crises. Treatment strategies include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, with ongoing research providing further insights.

Online gambling poses significant mental health risks, particularly for youth, and also undermines the nation’s financial growth and stability. Addressing these consequences requires immediate attention and comprehensive exploration. The topics which will be covered in this symposium are - Evolution of various methods of gambling in India; Psychiatric issues: Nosology, Epidemiology, Etiology, Co-morbidities; Diagnosis and Management and the Legal Aspects of online gambling.

Conducting Large Scale Psychiatric Genetic Studies in India – Opportunities and Challenges

Dr. Jayant Mahadevan ¹, Dr. Suhas Ganesh ², Dr. Meera Purushottam ³, Dr. Bhagyalakshmi Shankarappa ⁴, Dr. Bharath Holla ⁵

1. Assistant Professor, Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Karnataka

2. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Karnataka,

3. Senior Consultant, Centre for Brain and Mind, Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Karnataka

4. Project Scientist, Centre for Brain and Mind, Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Karnataka

5. Associate Professor, Department of Integrative Medicine, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Karnataka

The field of psychiatric genomics has experienced significant growth over the past few decades, particularly with the establishment of consortia and biobanks worldwide. However, global populations, especially those from South Asia, are notably underrepresented, as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder include less than 1% of participants with South Asian ancestry. Given that India is the most populous country, contributing 17.5% to the global population and being a major source of migration, it is crucial to enhance representation from Indian populations in psychiatric genomic studies. This study aims to provide an overview of large-scale initiatives related to psychiatric genetics in India and highlight key findings. The research is based on a biorepository of approximately 27,000 DNA samples collected over two decades at the Molecular Genetics Lab at NIMHANS, Bangalore, encompassing various diagnostic categories. Findings from genome-wide association studies have identified loci associated with bipolar disorder that overlap with those found in other populations. Additionally, polygenic scores for bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder have shown predictive value in the Indian population. Exome sequencing has revealed variants linked to neurodevelopmental syndromes in families with severe mental illnesses. Despite this progress, larger-scale studies are needed to achieve sufficient power for genetic discovery in psychiatric illnesses. Collaborative networks such as the Asian Bipolar Genetics Network (ABIGNET) could facilitate this goal by fostering comprehensive research efforts across India.

MRI Volumetric Analysis of Two Cases of Schizo-Obsessive Phenotype

Dr. Krishnapriya Murlimanohar¹

1.Consultant Psychiatrist, Bandra Care Clinic, Mumbai

The Schizo-Obsessive Phenotype (SOP) is marked by the coexistence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. While this phenotype is gaining recognition, its neurobiological basis remains unclear. MRI volumetric analysis offers a means to uncover structural brain changes associated with SOP. In this report, two male patients aged 18 and 34, diagnosed with schizophrenia and comorbid OCS based on DSM-5 criteria, underwent 3T MRI scans. The analysis focused on brain regions implicated in both schizophrenia and OCD, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), thalamus, and basal ganglia. Clinical severity was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). Both patients exhibited reduced gray matter volumes in the ACC and OFC, consistent with structural patterns seen in OCD and schizophrenia. One patient also displayed enlarged lateral ventricles, a finding typically associated with schizophrenia. Additionally, thalamic volume reduction and basal ganglia hypertrophy were observed, suggesting a potential link between dopaminergic dysregulation and abnormalities in cortico-striato-thalamic circuitry. These findings indicate overlapping yet distinct neuroanatomical changes between schizophrenia and OCD in SOP. Further research involving larger cohorts is needed to confirm these results and guide the development of targeted treatments.

Evolving landscape of addiction: Newer challenges and innovative solutions

Dr. Arpit Parmar¹, Dr Dheeraj Kattula², Dr Mohit Varshney³, Dr Udit Panda⁴

1) Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar

2) Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, CMC, Vellore

3) Associate Professor, ILBS, New Delhi

4) Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, KIMS, Bhubaneswar

The field of Addiction Psychiatry is evolving rapidly, with new drugs, treatment options, and technologies emerging at an unprecedented pace. This symposium explores various cutting-edge aspects and challenges in addiction psychiatry in the 21st century. The first presenter addresses the emergence of new psychoactive substances and the complex issues surrounding their regulation at both national and international levels, highlighting the challenges they pose to public health and drug control policies. The second presenter delves into the current state of research on brain stimulation techniques such as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in managing addiction, focusing on their potential in treatment and recovery. The third presenter discusses innovative treatment options for alcohol use disorder, emphasizing the management of alcohol-related liver disease through both current medications and novel agents. Finally, the fourth presenter explores the role of psychedelics in addiction treatment, drawing on historical lessons and examining future prospects. Together, these presentations aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues and innovative solutions in addressing addiction.

Obsessive Healthy Eating (Orthorexia Nervosa) And Its Psychological Impact

Dr. Suresh Kumar Gunapalli¹, Dr. Chandana Akkidasu², Dr. Anuhya Guyton³, Dr. G. Kaivalya⁴

1. Professor of Psychiatry, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

3. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Andhra Medical College, Vizag

4. Junior Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, AMC, Visakhapatnam

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is characterized by an obsessive focus on eating only healthy food, leading to intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and disruption of daily functioning. It can result in medical issues such as malnutrition, anemia, digestive problems, and weight loss. Despite growing concern, research on ON remains limited, particularly among medical students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of ON in this population using the ORTO-15 scale. The cross-sectional study found that 29.86% of medical students exhibited orthorexic behaviors, with ORTO-15 scores of 40 or higher. The study also identified a negative correlation between BMI and ORTO-15 scores, suggesting that lower BMI may be associated with a higher tendency for orthorexia. Furthermore, females demonstrated a significantly higher tendency toward orthorexia compared to males. This highlights orthorexia nervosa as an emerging concern, particularly among medical students, with a higher prevalence in females. The findings emphasize the need for further research and increased awareness to address the psychological and medical implications of ON.Top of Form

A symposium on the health insurance coverage for the mental health care expenses

Dr. Hareesh Angothu¹, Dr. Sivakumar Thanapal², Dr. Arun Rachana³

1. Additional Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru

2. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru

3. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, CMC, Vellore

Mental Health care Act 2017 Section 21(4) states that every insurer shall make provision for medical insurance for treatment of mental illness on the same basis as is available for treatment of physical illness. Insurance regulatory authority of India issued a series of circulars to all insurance companies to comply with the above-mentioned provision of mental health care act 2017 of which the latest one is dated 18.10.2022. This circular also states that all insurance products in the market are deemed to provide cover for mental illness diseases. However, health insurance products underwriting indicates that mental illness coverage is not on par with physical illness. A review of health insurance products offered by the Government and private insurance companies for their coverage of mental illness treatment using the publicly available documents is carried out. Ayushman Bharat covers inpatient care for 1391 packages under which mental illness coverage is included for clinical diagnoses made as per ICD 10 (F0-F78) excluding the coverage for neurodevelopmental disorders. Central government health scheme (CGHS) covering about ten million working and retired employees covers 1856 packages for inpatient care and none for mental illness. Private insurance products (individual and family floaters) exclude coverage for self-harm, and substance use disorders thus raising questions on the parity of coverage of mental illness treatment expense.

Presenters will highlight some of the IRDAI circulars which have an influence on the exclusion of treatment for substance use disorders. Attempt will be made to raise debate and discussion on way forward for the implementation of section 21 (4) of the MHC act 2017 in its word and spirit.

Bridging Language Barriers in Medical and Psychiatric Education: The Clinical Linguistic Proficiency Program Model

Dr. Suhas Satish¹, Dr. Deepak Ghadhigoankar¹, Dr. N Manjunatha², Dr C. Naveen Kumar³, Dr. Manik Inder Singh⁴.

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore

2. Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore

3. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore

4. Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore

In India, with its 22 official languages, linguistic diversity presents significant challenges in medical education and practice. This presentation addresses these issues and introduces an innovative solution: the Clinical Linguistic Proficiency Program (CLPP). This program is designed to help psychiatric residents overcome language barriers by equipping them with essential communication skills in Kannada. It employs methods such as peer learning and simulated clinical scenarios. The presentation highlights how national entrance exams often place students in regions with unfamiliar languages, underscoring the importance of language and cultural competence in psychiatric practice for effective patient care. An outsider’s perspective will be provided on the implications of linguistic competencies in medical education for healthcare delivery and training. The CLPP’s innovative features include a text-to-voice function in its PDF manual, offering real-time audio support during consultations. Future plans involve developing interactive video series, live outpatient department (OPD) training, AI-enhanced personalized language practice, and replicating the model nationwide. The presentation will conclude with a discussion on implementing linguistic competency training across India, aiming to influence policy and improve patient care through enhanced communication skills.

Preventive Psychiatry – the concept, role of Artificial Intelligence & technology, and Indian Research on Interventional packages for sub-clinical common mental disorders and First-episode Psychosis

Dr. Snehil Gupta

1. Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal

Preventive Psychiatry emphasizes mental health promotion, early diagnosis, effective treatment, disability limitation, and rehabilitation. Programs like the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) in Australia have successfully delayed psychosis progression and managed first-episode psychosis (FEP). Additionally, emerging AI-based interventions are providing innovative approaches to mental health prevention. This symposium introduces the concept of preventive psychiatry, explores models of prevention, and addresses challenges in implementing mental health strategies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It also highlights AI-based interventions, such as chatbots like Woebot, mental health apps like Headspace, and predictive tools like Ginger, which are effective in early detection, intervention guidance, and personalized treatment. Indian research on preventive interventions for common mental disorders and FEP is presented, including a wellness package (COME Well with PRIMEHeLP) aimed at preventing common mental disorders in sub-syndromic populations. Preliminary findings reveal significant cognitive deficits in FEP patients that impact psychosocial functioning, and the development of tailored cognitive intervention packages in India is discussed. Research demonstrates the positive impacts of prevention strategies, showing the promise of AI tools in strengthening tele-psychiatry and community-based care. Preventive psychiatry offers valuable insights for mental health professionals, researchers, and policymakers, supporting the advancement of mental health promotion and prevention efforts globally.

rTMS and Antidepressants in Modern Psychiatry

Dr. Kandrakonda Srinivas¹, Dr. K Vinya², Dr. K Maithri³, Dr. Chilukuri Raviteja⁴.

1. Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally.

2. Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally.

3. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Malla Reddy Medical College for Women, Hyderabad.

4. Consultant Psychiatrist, Dentx Clinic, Kukatpally, Hyderabad.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a pivotal modality in the management of treatment-resistant depression, offering a non-invasive, neuromodulatory approach targeting dysfunctional neural circuits. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) remains a primary target, with growing evidence favoring left unilateral stimulation over bilateral protocols due to enhanced efficacy and tolerability. Findings from Karla Mind and Neuromodulation further corroborate this, highlighting superior outcomes with left DLPFC stimulation.

When combined with pharmacotherapy, rTMS demonstrates differential synergistic effects depending on the antidepressant used. Data from Karla Mind and Neuromodulation indicate that rTMS combined with fluvoxamine yielded better clinical outcomes compared to mirtazapine, which in turn outperformed escitalopram in terms of remission rates and symptom reduction. Such combinations underscore the necessity of tailoring treatment strategies based on individual neurobiological profiles and pharmacodynamic interactions. The mechanisms underlying the efficacy of rTMS involve modulation of cortical excitability, neuroplasticity, and alterations in monoaminergic transmission. Comparative studies, including meta-analyses, consistently validate its safety and efficacy over sham treatments and conventional pharmacotherapy in treatment-resistant populations. However, questions surrounding optimal stimulation parameters, durability of response, and long-term efficacy remain areas of ongoing research.

This symposium synthesizes recent advances in rTMS and its integration with pharmacotherapy for depression, incorporating findings from clinical trials and real-world evidence. By examining emerging protocols, neurobiological mechanisms, and local center-specific data, it aims to equip mental health professionals with a nuanced understanding of how to optimize rTMS in combination with antidepressants for refractory depression.

Clozapine- Treating Treatment Resistance In Psychosis Or Inducing Treatment Resistance In Psychosis

Dr. Prashant Sunil Chaudhari ¹

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Chembur Hospital & ICCU, Mumbai, India

Clozapine remains the gold standard for managing treatment- resistant psychosis (TRP), characterized by inadequate response to at least two antipsychotics at therapeutic doses. However, concerns arise regarding its potential to induce pharmacological resistance upon discontinuation, complicating subsequent treatment efforts. This case series explores two contrasting aspects of clozapine in psychosis management: its efficacy in TRP and potential to induce treatment resistance when discontinued. The case series included 10 patients aged 25–58 years diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who met criteria for TRP. Six patients were initiated on clozapine after failing other antipsychotics, while four patients were examined after clozapine discontinuation due to adverse effects or nonadherence. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale over 6–12 months. Among the six patients treated with clozapine, four achieved significant symptomatic improvement (≥50% reduction in PANSS scores) and functional gains by month six. Two patients showed partial response but tolerated the treatment well. Conversely, of the four patients who discontinued clozapine, three exhibited worsening psychotic symptoms and reduced responsiveness to alternative antipsychotics, suggesting induced pharmacological resistance. One patient achieved partial stabilization with combination therapy. Clozapine is highly effective for TRP, but discontinuation may lead to exacerbation of symptoms and reduced responsiveness to other treatments, underscoring the need for careful monitoring and adherence strategies. Further studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying clozapine-induced treatment resistance and optimize long-term management.

Reading between the lines: Mental health portrayal in popular literature

Dr. Deepali Gul¹, Dr. Prerna Kukreti², Dr. Gulbahar S. Sidhu³, Dr. Hitesh Khurana⁴

1. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, Jalandhar, Punjab

2. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, LHMC, N Delhi; Incharge, Women Mental Health Clinic

3. Consulting Psychiatrist, Doaba Hospital, Jalandhar, Punjab

4. Professor, Department of Psychiatry (IMH), Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana

The relationship between creativity and mental illness is complex and widely debated. Writers and poets often use their work to express personal emotions and experiences, frequently highlighting human suffering. Motivational literature, too, often reflects insights drawn from life’s struggles, with figures like Mahatma Buddha emphasizing the connection between creativity and mental suffering. Writing serves as a powerful tool for catharsis, offering a form of emotional release. Psychologists and mental health professionals have conflicting views on the link between creativity and suffering. While popular belief suggests a positive relationship between creativity and mental illness, scientific evidence remains inconclusive due to methodological limitations. Historical literature, such as English works from the Shakespearean era, often focuses on themes of romantic agony. Similarly, contemporary Urdu poetry explores themes of heartbreak and the “spirituality of alcohol,” while modern Punjabi literature emphasizes hedonistic pleasures and romantic suffering. Many celebrated writers and poets, who have faced significant mental health challenges, have also died by suicide. Although this is not a universal trend, these cases highlight the interplay between creativity and psychological struggles. Additionally, literature often reflects societal issues, making it a valuable lens for understanding how mental health is portrayed in society. This symposium aims to explore how mental health issues are depicted in Hindi, English, Urdu, and Punjabi literature. Given the popularity and accessibility of these works, they play a critical role in shaping public awareness and understanding of mental health.

Tele Manas: Advancing Mental Health Services Through Innovation And Collaboration

Dr. Rakesh Chander ¹, Dr. Madhuri H Nanjundaswamy ¹, Dr. Swati Ravindran ¹, Dr. B. Sai Chaitanya Reddy ¹, Dr. Rahul Patley ¹, Dr. Channaveerachari Naveen Kumar ², Dr. Narayana Manjunatha ³, Dr. Suresh Bada Math ²

1. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Tele Manas, NIMHANS, Bengaluru

2. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru

3. Additional Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru

Tele MANAS, launched in October 2022, has achieved significant milestones in its first year and a half, expanding to all states and Union Territories with 53 operational Tele MANAS cells that handle over 1.5 million calls, averaging more than 3,000 calls daily. Key achievements include effective state partnerships and increased accessibility to mental health services. The training of Tele MANAS counsellors employs a hybrid model consisting of 50 hours of training—30 hours online and 20 hours onsite—focusing on counselling techniques tailored to diverse needs, along with continued professional development through case conferences. The 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act ensures that Tele MANAS upholds callers’ rights regarding consent and data management while aligning with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Technological innovations have enhanced user experience by integrating video consultations and providing accessible mental health resources through a user-friendly app. Despite these advancements, challenges such as rural access, stigma, and quality consistency remain. Future plans aim to improve IT systems, develop multilingual content, and implement information, education, and communication campaigns to create scalable, sustainable mental health solutions. Overall, Tele MANAS represents a significant step forward in addressing mental health care accessibility in India while highlighting the need for ongoing improvements and adaptations to meet the diverse needs of the population effectively.

The Science of Smiles and Happiness: Unlocking the Path to Holistic Well-Being

Prof. Dr Ramghulam Razdan ¹, Mr. Garv Jani ², Dr. Neha Agrawal ³, Dr. Rahul Anand Razdan ⁴

1. Head & Prof, Department of Psychiatry, Index Medical College Hospital & Research Center, Indore

2. Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry, Index Medical College Hospital & Research Center, Indore

3. Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Index Medical College Hospital & Research Center, Indore

4. Reader, Department of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, Index Institute of Dental Sciences, Indore.

A smile represents more than just a facial expression; it builds trust, strengthens connections, and fosters happiness. Across different cultures and throughout history, smiles have remained a universal sign of positivity and emotional health. This session explores the intricate connections between smiles, happiness, and mental well-being, emphasizing how personal resilience, supportive relationships, and environmental conditions shape our lives. By examining biological and psychological mechanisms underpinning happiness, as well as cultural and environmental factors influencing positive emotions, we aim to inspire actionable strategies for fostering happiness in various contexts. The symposium integrates insights from psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, and social sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of how smiles impact well-being. Discussions will be rooted in evidence from cutting-edge research and real-world examples, making complex ideas relatable and applicable. Participants will leave with practical tools for implementing happiness-focused strategies in both clinical and everyday settings. The findings highlight that smiles are influenced by biological, psychological, and social dimensions, serving as a therapeutic tool that improves emotional well-being. Smiling not only reflects happiness but also plays a significant role in emotional regulation by activating reward pathways and reducing stress hormones. Ultimately, this symposium underscores the complex connection between smiling and mental health, demonstrating how it can enhance resilience and overall quality of life while advocating for its integration into mental health practices.

Motivational Interviewing in Substance Use Disorders

Dr. Sandeep Kondepi¹, Dr. Amit Awasthi²

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Asha Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

2. Psychiatry Resident, Asha Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, environment, and an individual’s experiences. Consensus exists that psychosocial treatments for substance use disorders are evidence-based. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, motivational enhancement/motivational interviewing and brief interventions and 12 step AA program. 32 trials show that MI effectively improves treatment adherence and drinking outcomes. In Asha De-addiction Centre, Intensive Outpatient Program has used MI as mainstay counselling with other modes of treatment over 3 months for 60 patients.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of MI with other treatment modalities in Intensive Outpatient Program.

Methods: 60 patients were offered Intensive Outpatient Program in October 2023, at Asha De-addiction Centre for treatment of Substance Use Disorder. Among them, 6.7% (n=4) were females and 93.3% (n=56) were males. 43.3% had nicotine use and 56.7% had only alcohol use. From October 2023 to January 2024, patients were offered weekly consultations, individual counselling, family sessions, group sessions and video consultation. After IOP, patient were offered monthly OP visit.

Results: At the end of program, 95% patients maintained adherence to treatment. At the end 70% patients did not relapse and 30% relapsed within 2-6 months. 70% patients showed motivation at action and maintenance phase. 46.7% showed 5-8 score of satisfaction with treatment and 53.3% showed score more than 8.

Conclusions: Motivational Interviewing with Intensive Outpatient Program is an integrative approach for SUD, it showed better response and lower relapse rate and increase in stage of motivation.

Online Gaming Addiction In The Pediatric Age Group: A Major Health Concern – Diagnosis, Management, And Counselling

Dr. Vishal Akula¹, Dr. Neeli Ramchander², Dr. Sridhar Dandapally³, Dr. Manmohan Raju⁴, Dr. Asha Mounika⁵, Dr. Manmohan Raju⁴, Dr. Asha Mounika⁵

1. Professor And Hod, Department Of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Jagityal, Telangana

2. Consultant Paediatrician, Kavitha Children’s Hospital, Nizamabad

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, Citi Neuro Hospital, Hyderabad

4. Professor and HOD, Department of Psychiatry, RVM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Hyderabad

5. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Jagityal, Telangana

Long screen time and frequent gaming, affected children often exhibit symptoms

similar to substance addiction, including irritability, aggression, and withdrawal from

real-life interactions. The panel will begin by discussing diagnostic criteria, including key indicators and tools that pediatricians and mental health professionals can use to

recognize online gaming addiction early. Following diagnosis, the discussion will turn to evidence-based management strategies. We will examine cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based interventions, and technology management plans as effective tools for reducing dependency on online gaming. Special focus will be given to the role of parental guidance and digital literacy in supporting children’s healthy relationship with technology. Finally, we will address counselling strategies that emphasize resilience, self-regulation, and healthy coping mechanisms. Participants will gain insight into counselling methods that engage children in alternative recreational activities and promote overall mental wellness.

This discussion aims to equip pediatricians and mental health professionals with practical tools to identify, manage, and support pediatric patients affected by online gaming addiction. In doing so, we can better safeguard children’s developmental health and foster balanced digital use in an increasingly virtual world.

Neurosurgery For Treatment-Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Long-Term Outcome And Recent Advances

Dr. Y. C. Janardhan Reddy ¹, Dr. Shyam Sundar Arumugham ¹, Dr. Himanshu Tyagi ²

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, OCD Clinic, Department Of Psychiatry, National Institute Of Mental Health And Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Department Of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London Queen Square Institute Of Neurology, London, United Kingdom

Around 10-20% of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not respond to non-invasive treatments, leading guidelines to recommend neurosurgery, including ablative surgery or deep brain stimulation (DBS), for chronic, severe, and treatment-refractory cases. Ablative surgery is a one-time irreversible procedure, while DBS allows for flexible neuromodulation of targeted brain regions. This symposium will discuss the role of neurosurgery in OCD and current evidence on long-term outcomes from both Indian and international data. The discussions will cover treatment resistance in OCD and the potential for neurosurgical interventions, including the evolution of neurosurgery programs and practical challenges in planning these interventions. Key topics will include indications, precautions, and preparatory procedures. Various neurosurgical techniques will be compared regarding their relative merits and demerits, with a focus on long-term outcomes following gamma ventral capsulotomy and subthalamic nucleus DBS based on data collected at a major institution in Bengaluru. Additionally, insights into international consortium data on long-term outcomes after neurosurgery for OCD will be presented, including findings from research on DBS targeting different areas. The discussions will also highlight potential white matter structures relevant for neurosurgical targeting and recent advances in neurosurgical techniques, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of these interventions’ effectiveness and implications for patient care.

ECT In Tribal Community – A Taboo

Dr. Shubham Fojdar¹, Dr. Priyanka Bhatnagar²

1. Assistant Professor, ESIC hospital & college, Alwar.

2. Senior Resident, ESIC hospital & college, Alwar.

Electroconvulsive Therapy, or ECT, is a medical procedure performed under general anesthesia. It involves passing small electric currents through the brain to induce a brief, controlled seizure. This process can lead to significant changes in brain chemistry, often providing rapid relief from symptoms of severe mental health conditions. ECT has proven particularly effective in cases where other treatments have failed. However, it is important to acknowledge that ECT may not work for everyone. Historically, ECT faced significant stigma due to early practices that involved high doses of electricity without anesthesia. These outdated methods caused severe pain, fear, fractured bones, and other complications, leaving a lasting negative impression. Today, however, ECT is much safer and administered in a controlled environment to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. In our work in the Northeast region of India, we encountered unique challenges in promoting ECT awareness among tribal communities. Many individuals resisted the treatment due to cultural myths and misconceptions. To address this, we organized awareness camps specifically tailored to these communities. Through education and engagement, we successfully dispelled myths surrounding ECT and highlighted its safety and effectiveness. The objective of the presentation will be sharing our strategies and outcomes in increasing the awareness in tribal community of the Northeast region of India.

Youth Suicide: Early Intervention and Resilience Building

Dr Sudharshan Raghunathan

Senior Resident, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bengaluru.

Youth suicide remains a pressing global public health issue, with rising rates highlighting the urgent need for targeted prevention efforts. Young people face unique vulnerabilities, including social pressures, academic stress, and the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, which increase their risk of suicide. Among them, medical students are particularly susceptible due to the added stressors of rigorous academic demands and exposure to patient suffering. This symposium focuses on evidence-based strategies for early intervention and resilience building to prevent youth suicide, with an emphasis on approaches applicable to diverse populations and specifically tailored to medical students. A comprehensive review of studies published between 2017 and 2024 examined interventions targeting early identification of suicide risk and the promotion of resilience. The review prioritized randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses addressing resilience training, mental health screenings, and peer support, with a subset focused on medical students. Findings reveal that structured mental health programs, such as resilience workshops, peer support networks, and wellness curricula, significantly reduce depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among youth. For medical students, interventions centered on self-care, cognitive restructuring, and social support yield particularly promising results. Early intervention frameworks incorporating regular mental health check-ins and accessible counseling services further encourage help-seeking behaviors and reduce stigma. Integrating resilience training and early intervention strategies into youth-focused programs has the potential to mitigate suicide risk and enhance mental well-being. This symposium advocates for comprehensive and inclusive approaches that address the specific needs of young people, including medical students, to build resilience and prevent suicide in this vulnerable population.

The Promise And Perils Of Psychedelics In Psychiatry

Dr. M Dinesh¹, Dr. Shreya Shukla¹, Dr. Vignesh Kuppusamy¹, Dr. Arnab Datta¹, Dr. Biswadip Chatterjee²

1. Senior Resident, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre And Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi

2. Additional Professor, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre And Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi

Psychedelics are a diverse group of substances known to induce altered states of consciousness, affecting sensory perception, cognitive processes, and mood. Historically, researchers have explored their therapeutic potential, noting a promising safety profile in controlled settings for treating various psychiatric disorders. However, methodological limitations and the rise of recreational use led to a ban on human studies until the early 1990s. Recently, interest in psychedelics has surged due to their potential antidepressant, anxiolytic, and anti-addictive effects, particularly for mental health conditions resistant to existing therapies. Notable advancements include FDA approval of ketamine and esketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and the recent approval of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Despite these developments, concerns regarding the acute effects of psychedelics, dosing flexibility, unclear mechanisms of action, and potential for addiction have sparked debate. Legal and regulatory challenges continue to hinder research and utilization of these substances. This symposium will integrate perspectives from neuroscience and clinical science to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various psychedelics in treating psychiatric illnesses while critically appraising existing evidence compared to traditional treatment options. Additionally, it will address future research directions and practical regulatory challenges associated with the therapeutic use of psychedelics, aiming to navigate the complexities surrounding this evolving field.

Mental Well-Being Of Doctors – Do Doctors Practice What They Advise?

Dr. Veda Shetageri¹, Dr P Lokeswara Reddy², Dr Indla Ramasubba Reddy³, Dr K S Pavitra⁴

1. Professor, Department of Psychiatry, East Point College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bengaluru

2. Professor, Dept of Psychiatry AMC, Vizag

3. Director, INDLAS Hospital, Vijayawada, AP

4. Professor & HOD, Dept of Psychiatry, Sri Basaveshvara Medical College, Chitradurga, Karnataka

Doctors hold a crucial role in providing healthcare globally, recognized by the World Health Organization’s declaration of 2021 as the International Year of Health and Care Workers. Over the years, healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, have grappled with challenges like extended work hours and rigorous training, leading to mental strain. This strain stems from various factors including professional expectations, social pressures, organizational dynamics, and personal well-being. Prioritizing self-care becomes imperative for doctors to deliver efficient healthcare services while safeguarding their own mental health. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of burnout among doctors has garnered increased attention, though it has been a persistent concern for decades. To address these challenges, the upcoming symposium aims to delve into the factors affecting doctors’ mental wellbeing, offering insights from both scientific research and personal experiences. Research indicates the significance of physical activity in doctors’ routines as a means to sustain their health and enhance patient care. Similarly, studies highlight the impact of poor dietary habits among healthcare workers on their overall health, underscoring the importance of a balanced diet. Furthermore, incorporating arts and humanities into medical practice can help doctors maintain their humanity, navigate loss, cope with illness, and foster therapeutic relationships. The symposium will underscore the critical role of physical activity, dietary practices, and engagement with the arts in supporting doctors’ mental well-being effectively and efficiently. By integrating these strategies into their daily routines, doctors can enhance their resilience, improve patient care, and promote overall well-being within the healthcare profession.

Mental Incapacity and Criminal Responsibility: Current Perspective in India

Dr. (Maj) Arka Adhvaryu (Retd)¹, Maj (Dr.) Markanday Sharma², Dr. NG Nihal³.

1.Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata.

2.Graded Specialist, Department of Psychiatry, Military Hospital, Jhansi.

3. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health care and Medical terminology, Visakhapatnam.

This symposium addresses the intricate relationship between mental illness, legal responsibility, and treatment within the Indian legal framework. It highlights the challenges faced by the legal system when mental illness affects an individual’s cognitive and volitional capacities, raising questions of culpability. Central to this discussion is Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which outline the insanity defense and its application. The symposium emphasizes the need for comprehensive medical and psychological evidence to establish mental incapacity, illustrating this through landmark cases that have shaped Indian jurisprudence. Key challenges identified include societal stigma, inadequate mental health infrastructure, and procedural complexities that hinder effective legal outcomes for mentally ill individuals. The symposium proposes several reforms to address these issues: enhanced training for legal professionals, standardized assessment procedures, improved access to mental health services, interdisciplinary collaboration, public awareness campaigns, and increased research efforts. By implementing these strategies, the symposium argues for a more equitable criminal justice system in India that integrates mental health considerations while adhering to principles of justice and human rights. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure that individuals with mental illness receive fair treatment within the legal system, ultimately fostering a more humane environment that respects their rights and dignity.

We Are What We Eat: Exploring Cuisines in Psychiatry

Dr Kashypi Garg¹, Dr Samiksha Sahu², Dr N G Nihal³, Dr Rohan Jain⁴

1. Assistant Professor (contractual), Department of Psychiatry, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra

2. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, and Consultant Child-Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist at Bhopal Neuropsychiatric clinic and Diagnostic Centre.

3. Assistant Professor, Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Healthcare and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam

4. Consultant Psychiatrist, Ekta Hospital, Patiala, Punjab

In recent years, the field of nutritional psychiatry has gained prominence by examining the relationship between diet and mental health. This symposium explores innovative research and practical insights into the role of nutrition in psychiatric care. Dr. Samiksha Sahu discusses the influence of the gut microbiome on mood and behavior through the gut-brain axis, highlighting how dietary interventions like probiotics and prebiotics can enhance mental health by improving gut health. Dr. Gyan Nihal emphasizes the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, in supporting brain function and their role in alleviating depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative conditions, offering evidence-based recommendations for omega-3 intake. Dr. Kashypi Garg reviews the significance of essential micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D in mood regulation and mental health, underscoring their role in preventing and managing psychiatric disorders. Finally, Dr. Rohan Jain explores how dietary patterns and mental health are shaped by cultural and socioeconomic factors, advocating for personalized and culturally relevant nutritional interventions to enhance mental health outcomes. Collectively, these discussions emphasize the integration of nutritional strategies into psychiatric care while identifying future research directions for developing tailored dietary guidelines.

Neurobiology of Spiritually Informed Psychiatric Assessment and Care: Towards Development of Evidence-based Spiritual-Psychiatry Fellowship Training Program in India

Dr. Mary D’Souza ¹, Dr. Shivanand Kattimani ², Dr. Vipul Janardan ³, Dr. Parameshwaran Ramakrishnan ⁴, Dr. Kishor M. Rao ⁵

1. Professor and Head of Psychiatry Department, IPHB, Goa Medical College; Co-Chair of Spirituality Special Interest Group of IPS.

2. Professor and Head of Psychiatry Department, JIPMER, Puducherry

3. Senior Resident, Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences, New Delhi, India

4. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow, Drexel Univ, PA, USA; Board Eligible Clinical Chaplain, USA.

5. Professor & Head, Dept of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College & Hospital, (JSSAHER), Mysore, Karnataka, India

This symposium delves into the neurobiological foundations of spiritually informed psychiatric assessment and care, focusing on the integration of Clinical Chaplaincy, or Spiritual Care, with psychiatry. The empathic listening (EL) approach used in chaplaincy complements evidence-based medical practices, particularly in psychiatry, through its emphasis on mindfulness and self-transcendence. By utilizing the Mindfulness-to-Transcendence (MT) framework alongside portable electroencephalogram (EEG) devices, EL assessments in psychiatry and chaplaincy allow for the correlation of subjective spiritual experiences with objective measures, demonstrating the potential for spiritual care to enhance patient well-being. Key topics discussed will include the application of EL methods for phenomenological assessment in psychiatry, as well as evidence-based outcomes that illuminate spiritual constructs such as the “soul,” “spirit,” and the “transcendental Divine.” The symposium will also address the development of a Spiritual-Psychiatry Fellowship Training Program in India, aimed at equipping mental health professionals with the skills to integrate scientific and spiritual principles in providing holistic care.

Phenomenal Consciousness: The Final Bridge Between The Mind And The Body

Dr. Swapanjit Sarma ¹, Dr. Bhaktishree Raha ², Dr. Ayantik Mridha ³

1. Associate Professor, ICARE Institute Of Medical Sciences And Research, Haldia, West Bengal

2. Associate Professor, ICARE Institute Of Medical Sciences And Research, Haldia, West Bengal

3. PG Trainee, ICARE Institute Of Medical Sciences And Research, Haldia, West Bengal

The concept of the “mind” has evolved significantly since antiquity, often intertwined with notions of the “soul.” René Descartes, in the 17th century, profoundly influenced modern thought by distinguishing between the mind and body through Cartesian Dualism, positing that the mind is a non-physical substance distinct from the physical body. Psychiatry addresses mental health issues by examining cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aberrations but operates within this dualistic framework, creating a dichotomy between the observable body and the non-material mind or soul. This separation poses challenges for psychiatric practice, particularly in reconciling therapeutic approaches with scientific understanding. Despite advancements in neuroscience elucidating neural correlates of psychiatric conditions, these findings do not adequately explain how subjective experiences—such as thoughts and emotions—emerge from biological processes. This highlights the need to explore Phenomenal Consciousness, which refers to the qualitative aspects of experiences that differ fundamentally from mere physical responses. Understanding this distinction may help bridge the divide between mind and body, enhancing theoretical frameworks and practical interventions in psychiatric care. Phenomenology offers a methodological approach that emphasizes subjective experience as central to understanding mental phenomena, challenging reductionist views that explain mental states solely through neurobiological mechanisms. Revisiting the philosophical underpinnings of psychiatry in light of contemporary scientific insights could facilitate a more cohesive understanding of mental health that honors both the complexity of the mind and its biological foundations.

AI, Virtual Reality and AI powered VR in Psychiatry - Past, Present and Future.

Dr. K. Ashok Reddy¹, Dr. Radhakanth Chunduri².

1. Professor & HOD, Dept of Psychiatry, SVS Medical College, Mahbubnagar.

2. Sr. Consultant Psychiatrist, Apollo Hospitals, Visakhapatnam

This symposium is aimed at generating interest and motivating psychiatrists to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) in their day-to-day clinical practice. During the first session of the symposium, an overview of Artificial Intelligence, its evolution, it’s application in various fields will be discussed along with the various areas in psychiatric practice Artificial Intelligence can be used, and how it improves the effectiveness of clinical practice, how it reduces the efforts of psychiatrists in delivering clinical services. How AI adds convenience to patients and improves treatment outcomes will also be discussed.

During the second session of the symposium what is Virtual reality, what are the various ways it can be used to improve psychiatric practice, what is the present experience worldwide of using VR in psychiatry and in India, Scope for its use in psychiatry practice, challenges in using VR and what will be future utility of VR in Psychiatry will be discussed.

Human Rights Violation In Mental Patients – Indian Context

Dr. Ruma Bhattacharya ¹, Dr. Tanmaini Das ², Dr. Niska Sinha ³

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, President - Central Psychiatric Society

2. Senior Grade Administrative Officer (Director) & Associate Professor, Mental Health Institute, SCB Medical College, Cuttack

3. Associate Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, IGIMS, Patna

Mental Health is essential for everyone to realise one’s potential, to function productively, to deal with everyday stress and lead a life with dignity. In people with mental illnesses the individual’s thought, feelings and behavior are impaired and they face various human rights violation. The case reports presented will try to highlight the different forms of human right violations people with mental illness (PMI) face. The presentation will talk about four patients. A teenage boy with ADHD (ASD?) faced physical abuse/punishment. A female in her late thirties diagnosed with BPAD underwent domestic violence, divorce and later physical, sexual and financial abuse. A schizophrenic male aged 57, was subjected to physical abuse and violence. A married female in her early fifties faced neglect, denied access to healthcare and was brought in the state of severe debilitation. Though the patients did receive some intervention and help, they were mostly late owing to the lack of awareness about mental health issues in general, lack of resources and poor health care facilities. The case studies portray the negative effects of human rights violation on mental health like worsening of symptoms and subjection to even more trauma because of the lack of basic understanding of mental health/illness. It also affects physical health and results in decreased quality of life of PMI.

Uncovering The Hidden Mind: Challenges In Treating Dissociative Amnesia And The Role Of Ketamine Abreaction

Dr. Varisha Srivastava ¹, Dr. Abdullah Kamlur ², Dr Ayesha Abdul Azeez ¹, Dr Balan Vemu ¹, Dr Srinivasa SRRY ³

1. Junior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal

2. Senior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal

3. Professor And HOD, Department Of Psychiatry, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal

Dissociative amnesia is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by the inability to recall significant autobiographical information, often related to trauma, which disrupts daily functioning and quality of life. Conventional treatments, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, have shown limited success in restoring lost memories. Techniques such as drug-assisted interviews with barbiturates and benzodiazepines have demonstrated minimal efficacy. However, emerging evidence suggests that ketamine, known for its dissociative properties and ability to induce neuroplasticity, may serve as a potential adjunct in abreaction therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ketamine-assisted abreaction in recovering lost autobiographical memories and alleviating depressive symptoms in patients with refractory dissociative amnesia. The focus is on a 52-year-old female patient who, after initial treatments with various medications that partially alleviated depressive symptoms but failed to restore memory, underwent four sessions of ketamine abreaction (0.8–1 mg/kg) within a structured therapeutic framework. Significant memory recovery was noted by the fourth session, with improvements in linguistic and situational memory critical for resuming personal and professional activities. Additionally, depressive symptoms showed marked reduction as indicated by depression rating scales. The intervention facilitated holistic recovery, highlighting the potential of ketamine abreaction in addressing both memory deficits and emotional dysregulation. While results are promising, further research is needed to validate ketamine’s efficacy and safety across larger, diverse populations, potentially revolutionizing the management of dissociative amnesia and expanding therapeutic strategies in psychiatric care.

Substance Use Among Indian Physicians: Extent, Challenges, And The Way Forward

Dr. Roshan Bhad ¹, Dr. Siddharth Sarkar ², Dr. Yesh Chandra Singh ³, Dr. Manmeet Kaur Brar ³, Dr. Shreya Shukla ⁴

1. Additional Professor, NDDTC, AIIMS, New Delhi

2. Additional Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi

3. Former Senior Resident (DM Addiction Psychiatry), NDDTC, AIIMS, New Delhi

4. Senior Resident (DM Addiction Psychiatry), NDDTC, AIIMS, New Delhi

Healthcare professionals face demanding jobs that significantly impact their physical and mental health. Indian physicians, in particular, encounter unique stressors and challenges compared to the general population, affecting both their personal and professional lives. Research on the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among Indian physicians is limited considering various factors. Disciplinary, criminal and monetary liability are few of the major obstacles to reporting and subsequent service utilization amongst this high-risk group. Impaired physicians undermine medical ethics and optimal patient care. This symposium aims to delve into the extent of the problem of physician substance use, the challenges encountered in management, the ethical dilemmas, challenges, management and the way forward.

Indian literature, although limited, suggests that substance use among physicians ranges from 10% to 90%, with tobacco being the most common substance, followed by alcohol. This symposium will address the challenges in estimating the prevalence of substance use among physicians. We will assess the risk factors and consequences of physician substance use through case vignettes. The ethical dilemmas involved in treating physicians with substance use disorders will also be explored. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges faced in managing and supporting physicians dealing with substance use. This symposium aims to contribute to the broader discourse on substance use among healthcare professionals.

Workplace Sexual Harassment And Its Impact On Women’s Mental Health

Dr. Swayanka Samantray ¹, Dr. Harjot Kaur Pabla ²

1. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatry, Kalinga Institute Of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar

2. Senior Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab

Workplace sexual harassment has become a pervasive issue, affecting women’s physical and mental health while leading to significant losses in professional and educational attainment. This symposium aims to address the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment and its detrimental impact on women’s mental health. Research indicates a notable decline in job satisfaction, productivity, and commitment among victims, with the duration and frequency of harassment correlating directly with increased stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Bystanders, colleagues, and institutions also suffer from the adverse effects of harassment. Coping mechanisms often involve ignoring the perpetrator or appeasing them, with formal reporting being the least common response. Victims and bystanders frequently face silencing from institutions, which can limit career opportunities and contribute to a loss of talent and disruption of research integrity. The consequences include attrition in the female workforce and financial losses due to abandoned research projects. In India, there remains a lack of specific laws addressing workplace sexual harassment; however, Article 141 of the Indian Constitution has established guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court. To safeguard the integrity and dignity of women in the workforce, it is crucial for organizations to implement robust policies against sexual harassment. Addressing this issue is essential not only for individual well-being but also for enhancing overall workplace productivity and morale.

Use of digital technologies to provide mental health services in India: Learning, challenges and opportunities

Dr. Ankita Mukherjee¹, Dr. Srilatha Paslawar², Dr. Sudha Kallakuri¹, Dr. Mercian Daniel¹, Prof. Pallab K Maulik³.

1. Senior Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi.

2. Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi.

3. Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi.

Digital and mobile technologies are increasingly being used in mental health practice and there is an increase in the use of technology-enabled interventions for delivering mental health care in different settings. Mobile health (mHealth) using electronic decision support systems (EDSSs) has been widely adopted for diagnosing and managing a range of health conditions, including mental disorders and substance use. The main aim of this symposium is to outline our experiences using digital technology for the past 10 years to build evidence for scaling up primary mental healthcare services using a task-sharing approach. Five speakers will present the learnings and challenges in using EDSSs in mental health projects at The George Institute, India and newer opportunities of using it with comorbid conditions. The topics covered would be: (1) Operational challenges in implementation of a community based digital mental health intervention: lessons from the SMART Mental Health trial. (2) A large-scale digital mental health intervention among Adolescents: Experiences in implementing the ARTEMIS trial. (3) Technology-enabled mental health interventions in India: Learnings in implementation among adults and adolescents across rural and urban settings. (4) Development of technology-enabled self-monitoring intervention among cancer patients with comorbid depression from the ASHVINS trial.

The main take away point from the symposium would be that technological solutions have been advocated to increase access to care, especially in primary health care settings in low-and middle-income countries.

Navigating Psychiatric Care in First Trimester: Essential Assessment and Treatment Insights

Dr. Manoj Kumar¹, Dr. Sonam Saxena², Dr. Vipul Janardan².

1. Assistant Professor, IHBAS, Delhi.

2. Senior Resident, IHBAS, Delhi.

Managing psychiatric disorders during the first trimester of pregnancy presents unique and complex challenges for clinicians. This presentation explores essential assessment and treatment strategies for this critical period, equipping psychiatrists with evidence-based insights to navigate these intricacies effectively. The presentation emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessments for pregnant women managing psychiatric conditions. This includes evaluating not only psychiatric symptoms but also medical and genetic history, family background, and psychosocial factors. The discussion highlights the challenges of balancing effective treatment with the unique needs of patients in early pregnancy. A critical focus is placed on the teratogenic risks associated with psychotropic medications. Evidence-based recommendations are provided for selecting safer agents, considering potential teratogenic effects on fetal development. The presentation also addresses necessary modifications to treatment plans in cases of unplanned pregnancies or contraceptive failures, particularly when higher-risk medications have been prescribed. Non-pharmacological treatment options are explored as an alternative to minimize fetal exposure to psychotropic drugs during the first trimester. Evidence-based psychological interventions for conditions such as mild depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders are discussed, alongside non-pharmacological somatic treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The presentation concludes with a focus on managing high-risk medications such as sodium valproate or lithium when prescribed due to the severity of psychiatric conditions or unawareness of pregnancy. Recommendations for diagnostic evaluations, patient counseling, and treatment adjustments are outlined to minimize risks to both mother and fetus. This presentation will provide a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to managing psychiatric disorders in pregnant patients during the first trimester, equipping clinicians with the insights and strategies needed for informed and patient-centered treatment planning.

Fronto Temporal Dementia – Challenging Disease and Recent Advances in Treatment

Dr. Jishnu Bhattacharya¹, Dr. Niska Sinha².

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Suri Super Specialty Hospital, Birbhum, Howrah.

2. Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna.

The landscape of Fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) has evolved remarkably in recent years & is barely recognizable from two decades ago. FTD encompasses a group of clinical syndromes defined pathologically by degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes, that historically have been challenging to diagnose. Due to heterogeneous clinical presentation difficult differential diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and psychiatric disorders and evolving clinical criteria, epidemiology and natural history of Fronto-temporal lobar degeneration remain elusive.

The clinical features are unique with disinhibition, apathy, compulsions are common. Motor changes occur later in the illness. Two major proteins that aggregate in brain are Tay & TDP-43, whereas minority of patients aggregate FET Protiens, primarily FUS Proteins. Genetic causes include mutations in MAPT GRN and C9orf72. There are no medications that can slow FTD progression, although new therapies for the genetic forms of FTD are moving into clinical trials.

Once diagnosis made by history and imaging procedures (specially PET-CT), therapies should begin focusing on the family and patient. Because families experience a severe burden associated with caregiving and clinician should focus on alleviating this burden. Careful consideration of environmental changes to cope with abnormal behaviours is essential. Those medications used in dementia generally like cholinesterase inhibitors should be avoided in FTD. There is some evidence that antidepressants and second-generation antipsychotics may help individual patients.

Bridging the Gap: Paediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry in the Indian Healthcare System

Dr. Ragul Ganesh¹, Dr. Aakriti Jha², Dr. Keerthana Mohankumar³.

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, JIPMER, Puducherry

2. Post-Doctoral fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, JIPMER, Puducherry

3. Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, JIPMER, Puducherry

Paediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (PCLP) addresses the complex interplay between physical and mental health in children and adolescents, playing a crucial role in holistic care, improving outcomes, and meeting emotional and developmental needs. It highlights the importance of policy reforms, specialized training, and increased resources to ensure accessible and integrated mental health care in paediatric settings. According to the NMHS (2015-2016), there is a 7.3% prevalence of mental health disorders in adolescents aged 13–17, and PCLP helps improve medical outcomes by addressing psychiatric needs during paediatric hospitalizations. This includes managing suicide risk, illness adjustment, medically unexplained symptoms, and neurodevelopmental disorders. As the demand for such services rises, formalized training in this subspecialty becomes essential for enhancing care. At a tertiary care centre, a multidisciplinary team manages referrals for conditions like neurodevelopmental disorders, behavioural issues, and academic difficulties. Services include IQ and SLD evaluations, early interventions, high-risk management, and parental counselling. Collaborative care ensures continuity through follow-ups aligned with paediatric visits. Looking ahead, early psychiatric involvement has been shown to reduce hospital stays and improve outcomes, alleviating economic and disease burdens. Scalable strategies such as telepsychiatry, mobile health, and collaborative care models can significantly enhance accessibility. Public health policies must prioritize PCLP and integrate mental health services into primary healthcare, supported by interdisciplinary training to ensure long-term sustainability.

Mental Health Issues & Beyond In LGBT+ Population

Dr. Swapnajeet Sahoo ¹, Dr. Rahul Chakravarty ², Dr. Subodh Bn ³

1. Associate Professor, Dept Of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh

2. Assistant Professor, Dept Of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh

3. Professor, Dept Of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh

The mental health needs of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) population are complex, encompassing unique stressors such as stigma, discrimination, and minority stress alongside general psychiatric concerns. Despite increased awareness, there remains a significant gap in understanding and addressing these mental health challenges in routine clinical settings. This symposium aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mental health issues within the LGBT community, focusing on assessment, communication, and specialized care, particularly regarding psychiatric considerations in gender reassignment surgery. The objectives include outlining the broad mental health challenges faced by LGBT individuals, emphasizing the impact of social determinants and minority stress; discussing effective approaches for psychiatric assessment and culturally sensitive communication; and exploring the role of mental health professionals in supporting individuals undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Presentations will cover the spectrum of mental health concerns in the LGBT community, including mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidality, highlighting the role of minority stress and internalized stigma. Practical strategies for psychiatric assessment will be discussed, focusing on eliciting sexual orientation and gender identity sensitively while building therapeutic alliances. Finally, the symposium will address the psychiatric aspects of gender reassignment surgery, including criteria for assessing gender dysphoria and psychological readiness for surgery. By equipping clinicians with a deeper understanding of these challenges and practical skills, this session aims to promote inclusivity and equity in mental health care for the LGBT community.

Athlete Mental Health - Understanding the Emerging Field of Sports Psychiatry And Its General Principles

Dr. Mansi Vora¹, Dr Devika Patil²

1. Founder And Psychiatrist, Project Mind Clinic; Consultant Psychiatrist, Westcoast Institute Of Neurosciences, Mumbai

2. Founder And Psychiatrist, Swasthya Mental Health Clinic; Consultant Psychiatrist, Apollo Hospital, Nashik, Maharashtra

This Symposium is a proposition to discuss and delve into the various mental health symptoms and disorders in Athletes and it’s management. Athletes at any level of participation, exhibit no natural immunity to mental health challenges. Mental health symptoms and disorders are common among athletes and may impair performance. Mental health cannot be separated from physical health, as shown by the increased risk of injury and delayed recovery time in the presence of mental health symptoms or disorders. Yet, athletes being a unique population, in their physical and mental attributes, need a qualified medical discipline for mental health : Sports Psychiatry. Sports Psychiatrists need specific knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes for ensuring mental health symptom treatment, performance restoration and performance enhancement. Social determinants of mental health in athletes, mental disorders in athletes and the general principles of their management will be understood using evidence based recommendations and case vignettes.

Women Psychiatrists in the Mental-Health Scape of India: From Enrolment to Empowerment

Dr. Aruna Yadiyal¹, Dr. Pallavi Hoskote²

1. Professor and unit head, Department of Psychiatry, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore

2. Director, MediLeaders

Over the past decade, women have increasingly entered the field of psychiatry. Today, more than 57% of postgraduate psychiatry residents globally are women, according to a 2015 AAMC survey. However, despite this rise in numbers, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 29% of IPS members being female as of 2021-2022. This imbalance reflects a “top light, bottom heavy” trend in power and academic spaces. This symposium aims to discuss the underrepresentation of women psychiatrists, focusing on statistical trends, barriers to career advancement, and the role of organizations like IPS in empowering women members. The first speaker will be presenting the topic ‘The current status of female psychiatrists in India’s mental health landscape’ and the second speaker will be presenting ‘Barriers contributing to the underrepresentation of women in psychiatry’. The symposium will explore the systemic challenges faced by women psychiatrists in India and discuss strategies to overcome these barriers, promoting gender parity and empowering women in the field of psychiatry.

Social, Legal and Clinical Perspective Of Cannabis

Dr. Gorrela Subhash ¹, Dr. Bellapukonda Srividya ¹

1. Consultant Psychiatrist, Shanti Hospital, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh

Cannabis has been utilized in India, China, and the Middle East for over 8,000 years for its fibre and medicinal properties. Its use became prominent in international youth culture during the 1970s and 80s, largely influenced by movies, music, and media. As a psychoactive drug that alters perception, cannabis is the fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance worldwide, following caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, with approximately 192 million users according to the World Health Organization. Notably, school children and teenagers represent a significant proportion of recent users. Individuals who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop problematic use compared to adults, leading to detrimental effects on their studies and overall quality of life. Conversely, there is growing recognition among patients and healthcare providers of the efficacy of medical marijuana in alleviating chronic pain when traditional treatments are ineffective or cause adverse side effects. The legalization and integration of medical marijuana into pain management protocols highlight its dual nature as both a therapeutic agent and a potential risk. This symposium will discuss the harmful effects of cannabis use as well as its social and legal implications. The clinical perspective of cannabis will be introduced alongside an exploration of the associated social and legal issues surrounding its use.

Assessment And Management Of Tardive Syndrome

Dr. Vaibhav Patil ¹

1. Associate Professor of Neuro-Psychiatry, All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

Tardive syndrome (TS) is a movement disorder caused by dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), characterized by symptoms that may develop weeks to years after starting treatment and can persist or worsen even after discontinuation. This discussion aims to explore the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, epidemiology, and recent management advancements for TS. A literature search will be conducted to gather studies on the assessment and management of TS, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and screening in patients receiving DRBAs. TS is primarily a clinical diagnosis, and recent advancements include the development of two new vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors and emerging data on neuromodulation techniques for managing the condition. TS encompasses a spectrum of persistent hyperkinetic, hypokinetic, and sensory phenomena resulting from chronic exposure to DRBAs or other agents. Clinicians must be aware of patients at risk for TS and conduct thorough assessments using clinical examinations and structured tools. Newer treatment approaches, such as VMAT2 inhibitors and neuromodulation techniques, provide promising options for managing TS. Overall, understanding the complexities of TS is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring effective management strategies are in place.

Digital mental health across the life span: SCARF experience Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF)

Dr. Subhashini Gopal¹, Dr Shivaprakash Srinivasan², Dr Lakshmi Venkatraman³, Dr Sridhar Vaitheeswaran³

1. Senior Coordinator – Psychological services, SCARF, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

2. Consultant Psychiatrist, Dept of Youth Mental Health, SCARF, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

3. Consultant Psychiatrist, SCARF, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), a pioneer in mental health care in India, has integrated digital tools into its services to address mental health needs across various age groups. Post-pandemic, digital methods have become a vital part of SCARF’s approach to improve accessibility, effectiveness, and age-appropriate interventions for individuals from youth to older adults.

The Department of Youth Mental Health (ages 10-24) uses digital media to raise awareness, provide support, and enhance engagement with mental health systems. SCARF’s Adult Psychiatry department (ages 25-59) incorporates technology for cognitive interventions, particularly in schizophrenia, while addressing the challenges of digital literacy and infrastructure in low-resource settings.

For older adults (60+), SCARF leverages telepsychiatry for assessments and interventions, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for dementia. Technology also supports caregivers through remote supervision and training.

This symposium highlights SCARF’s use of digital methods across these age groups, exploring the benefits, challenges, and successful outcomes. Presentations will cover topics such as virtual compensatory cognitive training, digital cognitive remediation for schizophrenia, and the use of telepsychiatry in geriatric mental health. By sharing case studies and lessons learned, the symposium will also discuss future directions, including ethical considerations and emerging technologies in digital mental health care.

SCARF’s experience demonstrates the transformative potential of digital interventions in enhancing mental health care across the lifespan, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

Therapeutic Conundrum Due To Comorbidity Of Mood Disorder/Bd And AUD Disorder: A Case-Based Navigation.

Dr. Madhav Raje ¹, Dr. Tabitha Jezreel ², Dr. Penubarthi Sravanthi ³

1. Consultant Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist, Mahakali Clinic, Ayodhya Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

2. Assistant Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, Malla Reddy Institute Of Medical Sciences, Suraram, Hyderabad

3. Assistant Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, Kamineni Institute Of Medical Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana

Among any patient with mood symptoms or substance use, comorbid existence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) & Bipolar Disorder (BD) needs to be considered. AUD & BD could be causal or risk factors of each other up to 28% of times. AUD in patients with BD can lead to a more severe or prolonged course of illness, poor treatment compliance, increased risk of suicide rates, and higher healthcare costs, thereby affecting overall quality of life. Hence, this symposium focuses on identifying and addressing the comorbidity of BD & AUD. We discuss two cases of BD, one depression with AUD and the second mania with AUD. Cases are selected from psychiatry OPD, thus reflecting real-life difficulties in managing cases.

40-year-old male businessman, married, father of two, accompanied by wife for the complaints of alcohol abuse, 10 years before. Earlier his diagnosis was considered alcohol- induced depression with AUD essentially because of lack of internalizing traits/symptoms & insight. Gradual unfolding of his illness is a rewarding learning experience.

45-year-old male, married for 18 years with 2 kids, educated till 10th STD, currently working as a carpenter, who was diagnosed with BD predominantly Mania with Alcohol harmful use and on irregular treatment for more than 20 years. The frequency and intensity of recent episodes varied along with his increased consumption of alcohol, which hindered the course and progress of management.

Long-term follow-up is the foremost condition of case selection. Finer nuances of treatment & difficulties are put forth, making the discussion relatable to audiences.

Recurring Natural Disasters And The Need For Evidence-Based Mental Health Interventions

Dr. Nimmy Chandran ¹, Dr Anirudh Balachandran ², Dr Anjana Aravind ³

1. Assistant Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Palakkad

2. Senior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, Govt Medical College, Palakkad

3. Junior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Palakkad

Natural disasters have a profound impact on mental health, with the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) defining a disaster as an event that overwhelms local capacity and necessitates external assistance. In recent years, India has experienced an increase in natural disasters, including the recent landslide in Wayanad on July 30, 2024, which resulted in approximately 336 deaths and left 78 individuals missing. The psychological consequences of such disasters can be severe, with high rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety; reported psychological symptoms can reach as high as 90%, varying by disaster type and study period. A literature review of mental health interventions in disaster-prone areas reveals a lack of studies assessing the efficacy of these services despite many examining psychiatric morbidity. Barriers to conducting research include cultural factors, stigma, resource limitations, and the chaotic nature of humanitarian settings where research is often not prioritized. There is an urgent need for innovative research methods to implement psychosocial interventions effectively in these contexts. Additionally, establishing proper guidelines is essential to enhance preparedness for government agencies and communities residing in disaster-prone regions. While significant progress has been made in recognizing the mental health impacts of disasters, ongoing efforts are required to develop comprehensive strategies that address these challenges and improve outcomes for affected populations.

Restraint Practices In Inpatient Psychiatry Setting: Critical Review Of Global And Indian Scenario

Dr. Ashish Pakhre ¹, Prof. Dr. Vijender Singh ², Dr. Roshan Sutar ¹, Dr. Poulami Laha ³

1. Assistant Professor, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bhopal

2. Professor & HOD, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bhopal

3. Senior Resident, Department Of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Bhopal

The concept of restraint in mental health treatment, particularly in inpatient settings, has generated significant discussion due to its implications for patient autonomy and safety. Restraints, which can be physical, chemical, or psychological, are often employed when less restrictive measures fail to manage aggressive behaviors or self-harm. However, the use of restraints can lead to serious adverse effects, including sedation, cognitive decline, and physical injuries. This symposium aims to explore the broad concept of restraint practices in psychiatry, examining the ethical, legal, and human rights factors that influence these practices. By conducting a narrative review of global and national literature on restraint methods, the symposium will present critical findings on how legal frameworks vary across countries regarding coercive measures in psychiatric settings. In India, the 2017 Mental Healthcare Act governs restraint use, and the study will assess sociodemographic characteristics and awareness levels related to restraints. The challenges associated with coercive measures are particularly sensitive in psychiatry due to ethical concerns surrounding patient vulnerability. With an increasing focus on developing laws and policies regarding restraints globally, it is essential to refine practices that standardize their application in mental health settings. Ultimately, this symposium seeks to address gaps in understanding and identify opportunities for improvement in the management of restraint practices within psychiatric care.

Asexuality: An Extreme Variant of Sexual Desire Disorder?

Dr. Pratyusha Bhattacharyya ¹ , Dr. Subhendu Dey ¹ , Dr. Aditi Gupta ¹ , Dr. Arka Adhvaryu ²

1. Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, R.G Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal

2. Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal

Sexual desire varies significantly across individuals and populations, influencing both personal identity and psychological well-being. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a recognized clinical disorder marked by distress due to low sexual desire whereas, asexuality, a sexual orientation characterized by the absence of sexual attraction without inherent distress. In some cases, individuals with HSDD may consciously adopt an asexual identity as a means to navigate societal expectations around sexuality and relieve the psychological discomfort associated with their low sexual desire. By aligning themselves with asexuality—an orientation often misunderstood but increasingly recognized—individuals with HSDD can find a supportive framework to express a low or absent sexual interest without stigma. This phenomenon, however, raises complex questions about the distinctions between asexuality, which is typically described as a stable sexual orientation, and HSDD, which is recognized as a diagnosable condition, that may arise due to psychological, relational, or physiological factors. For some, adopting an asexual identity provides empowerment and pride, allowing them to bypass medical labelling and reframe their experience within a positive social context. Yet, this adaptive strategy may also lead to debates within both medical and asexual communities about the appropriateness of conflating identity with disorder, especially as the asexual community works to establish a clearer understanding of asexuality as a distinct orientation. The topic invites further exploration into how society and the medical community approach low sexual desire and the ways in which personal and social identities are shaped by, or resist, clinical labels.

16: Nurturing Future Leaders in Psychiatry: Essential Skills for Effective Physician Leadership

Dr. Tarak Vasavada¹, Dr. Vishal Madaan², Dr. Dhruv Gupta³, Dr. Janaki Nimmagadda4

1. President, Indo-American Psychiatric Association and Professor of Psychiatry, University of Alabama School of Medicine.

2. Chief of Education and Deputy Medical Director, American Psychiatric Association

3. Forensic Psychiatrist, NY State Office of Mental Health

4. Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UABHSOM Huntsville Regional Medical Campus

As psychiatric care continues to evolve, effective physician leadership has become

increasingly critical in ensuring optimal patient outcomes and organizational success.

Nonetheless, training in administrative psychiatry often tends to be deficient in

psychiatry residency programs. This symposium will explore varied leadership styles and their significance in shaping effective clinician-leaders. It will encompass essential physician leadership skills, including lifelong learning, mentoring, sponsorship, and providing feedback. Additionally, the presenters will highlight the importance of instilling leadership qualities in the individuals they treat, especially children, emphasizing that early development of traits such as self-reliance, problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork can lead to more fulfilling personal and professional lives. Didactic content will be supplemented with case scenarios, role-playing, and active audience engagement to promote practical application in psychiatric settings.

34: Sharing Insights: Experiences in Psychiatric Subspecialties – General Adult, Child and Adolescent, Forensic, and Intellectual Disability Care in the NHS, UK

Dr. Raj Harsh¹, Dr. Bhavana Chawda², Dr. Murali Vemuri³, Dr. Kishore Jeyapackiam4

1. Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, NHS England.

2. Locum Consultant Psychiatrist in Children and young people with Intellectual Disabilities, NHS, England.

3. Associate Medical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult services, NHS England.

4. Consultant Adult & Forensic Psychiatrist, NHS England

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides a comprehensive framework for delivering mental health care across diverse psychiatric subspecialties. This presentation explores insights gained from working within four key areas: General Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Forensic

Psychiatry, and Intellectual Disability Care.

General Adult Psychiatry manages both acute and chronic mental health conditions, like depression and schizophrenia, using a multidisciplinary approach that includes medication, psychological therapies, and social interventions. It emphasizes recovery-oriented care and continuity through community mental health teams and crisis intervention programs.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) focuses on early intervention for youth with conditions such as ADHD and autism, promoting family-centered care and collaboration with schools and social services for holistic support.

Forensic Psychiatry specializes in caring for individuals with mental health issues within the criminal justice system, balancing public safety with patient care through structured rehabilitation and risk management strategies, often in collaboration with probation and police services.

Intellectual Disability Psychiatry supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions by employing person-centered approaches and Positive Behavioural Support frameworks to enhance quality of life and reduce restrictive practices.

By reflecting on real-world experiences and innovative practices, this presentation highlights the challenges, dynamic approaches, and collaborative efforts within these subspecialties. It underscores the NHS’s commitment to equitable, patient-centred mental health care, offering attendees valuable insights into shared and unique practices across these specialties to inspire advancements in psychiatric care delivery.

104: EATING DISORDER NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: Don’t let your mind bully your body

Dr Minu Budhia¹, Dr (Prof) Prathama Guha², Megha Rathi³

Caring Minds, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

1. Founder- Director & Psychotherapist, Caring Minds International, Kolkata, West Bengal.

2. Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, Caring Minds International, Kolkata, West Bengal

3. Clinical Psychologist, Caring Minds International, Kolkata, West Bengal

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is less recognized compared to specific eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, yet it accounts for 32%–53% of all eating disorder diagnoses. EDNOS involves a preoccupation with weight, food, calories, dieting, and exercise, leading to emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that pose significant risks for medical complications, depression, and anxiety. It is diagnosed when individuals meet some but not all criteria for specific eating disorders, with behavioral symptoms such as food refusal, fear of eating, purging, and excessive exercise, as well as emotional symptoms like low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, and physical issues such as gastrointestinal problems and mineral deficiencies. A study examining EDNOS prevalence among college students in Eastern India highlights psychological factors such as personality comorbidities, emotional distress, and self-cognition, offering insights into predictors and the formulation of psychopathology. Management strategies for EDNOS include pharmacological options such as SSRIs and antipsychotics, alongside psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), newer therapies, nutrition education, and self-confidence-building techniques. These approaches emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of EDNOS to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

12: Raising the Bar: How Authors and Reviewers Can Transform Scientific Publishing

Dr. Geetika Sareen

Director Journals, Jaypee health Science Publisher

Scientific publishing is vital for knowledge sharing and advancing discovery, yet it faces challenges such as poorly written manuscripts, inconsistent reviews, and systemic inequities. To enhance the quality of publications, the academic community must take pride in their journals rather than apologize for them. Researchers and institutions should be evaluated based on the quality of their work rather than the prestige of the journals they publish in. Authors play a crucial role in improving publication quality. Many poorly written manuscripts stem from inadequate proficiency in English or limited scientific writing experience. To address this, targeted training in writing skills, mentorship, and collaborative efforts to bridge language barriers are essential. Authors should strive to produce clear, concise, and well-structured manuscripts that effectively communicate their research.

Reviewers also need to elevate their standards. Novice reviewers may provide superficial evaluations due to inexperience or focus on publication targets. Furthermore, some referees may lower their expectations for journals seen as less prestigious. Comprehensive reviewer training and incentives for high-quality critiques are necessary to tackle these issues.

Finally, the broader research system requires reform. For instance, India’s limited R&D funding, at only 0.7% of GDP, constrains research quality and output, particularly in health sciences. Increasing support for research and cultivating a culture of excellence is crucial for progress. This presentation will address the writing challenges faced by authors and scholars, aiming to enhance the understanding of the publishing environment and support India’s scientific publication efforts.

Bridging the gaps: Navigating ADHD, Autism and Substance use Disorders in adults

Dr Joe Johnson

Consultant for Halton/Warrington Perinatal Service & North West Lead for UKAAN (UK Adult ADHD Network), Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

ADHD in adults often coexists with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and other neurodevelopmental disorders, creating a complex clinical profile that is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This overlap heightens the risk of secondary mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression/emotional dysregulation, as well as substance misuse. The interplay between these conditions challenges conventional diagnostic frameworks and demands a nuanced understanding of neurodiversity. Proper identification and treatment of ADHD and associated neurodevelopmental disorders can significantly reduce the burden of secondary complications, improving quality of life and long-term outcomes.

This symposium will explore the intricate relationships between ADHD, autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, examining how these contribute to heightened vulnerability to mental health and substance use disorders. Participants will gain insights into the impact of timely diagnosis and treatment in mitigating risks and promoting neurodivergent-friendly care models.