DIALOGUES IN
MENTAL HEALTH
A First of Its Kind Conference
in the MENA Region
A Dubai based conference series that aims to bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, and industry leaders from the Middle East and connect them with international expertise over the latest challenges and developments in the field of neuroscience and mental health.
MISSION
Bridging the gap between clinical practice, research, policy, and cutting edge innovation
After a successful inaugural conference on Suicide Prevention, hosted in 2022 which saw more than two hundreds attendees share knowledge and experience over best practice in suicide prevention, in 2023, the focus turns to Novel Treatments in Mood Disorders.
The 2023 edition of "Dialogues in Mental Health - Novel Treatments in Mood Disorders" conference will provide an ideal platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to share ideas, collaborate and learn about the latest treatments for mood disorders. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the latest trends and best practices in mood disorders treatment and have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field.
A GROWING
MENTAL HEATLH CRISIS
900M+
People suffer from a
mental disorder globally
$16T
loss to global economy between
2010-2030 due to mental health crisis
30%
patients relapse on currently
available antidepressants
According to the World Health Organization, depression is the most common mental health disorder in the Middle East and North Africa, affecting an estimated 9.3% of the population.
Additionally, access to mental health care is limited in many parts of the region. The United Arab Emirates, where mental health and wellbeing have been identified as a priority by health authorities and the national leadership there are only 2.5 psychiatrists per 100,000 people in line with other countries in the region.
Hosting a conference that prioritizes innovation in Dubai can help raise awareness about the importance of mental health and shed light on the global evolution occurring in the field, blending capacity building with the use of technology and novel treatments.
The conference will cover a wide range of topics related to mood disorders, such as pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation. Participants will learn about the latest developments in the field, including innovative treatments such as:
THEMES & TOPICS
-
Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
This novel class of treatment modalities has shown great promise in treating a variety of psychiatric disorders.
-
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
This treatment uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. Its range of application continues to grow.
-
Medication Redirection
The redirecting of psychotropic medication previously used in order disorders such as schizophrenia to the treatment of mood disorders.
-
Esketamine
The latest evidence on Esketamine, patient stories, and how therapists can receive training to administer this novel therapy and implement it in their own practice.
-
Holistic Psychiatry
A review of the ‘holistic’ approach to psychiatric disorders, what it means in practice, and how therapists can work together to support one another in delivering a more holistic approach.
-
Sleep
The importance of sleep for both preventative care as well as improving efficacy of treatment. Addressing sleep as an essential component of medical care.
SPEAKERS
-
Joseph El-khoury
The Valens Clinic, Dubai
-
Samer Makhoul
REEM Neuroscience Centre, Abu Dhabi
-
Rachel Yehuha
Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai (USA)
-
Maria Velkova
Tabula Rasa Ventures
-
Jesse Gould
Heroic Hearts Project
-
Rami Bou Khalil
Saint Joseph University, Lebanon
-
Daniele Nolan
The Kusnacht Practice, Switzerland
-
Raluca Babota
Psychologist & Head of Clinical Programs, Switzerland
-
Andrea Fagiolini
University of Siena School of Medicine, Italy
-
Ali Garatli
King Fahad Medical City, KSA
-
Nahida Ahmed
Abu Dhabi Health Services
-
Karim Abdel Aziz
UAE University
SCHEDULE
Friday June 9th, 2023
20:00-22:30
Lundbeck Pre Congress Symposium & Dinner
Saturday June 10th, 2023
Official Opening
Joseph El-khoury & Samer Makhoul
09:00-9:15
The Role of Antipsychotic Drugs in Mood Disorders
Rami Bou Khalil; USJ, Lebanon
09:15-10:00
Conceptualizing the Client Journey in Mood Disorder Treatment with a Holistic Approach
Daniele Nolan and Raluca Babota; The Kusnacht Practice, Switzerland
10:00-10:45
BREAK
10:45-11:00
Identifying and Achieving Treatment Goals in MDD - What Matters Most for the Patients? Advantages of Brintellix (Lundbeck Symposium)
Andrea Fagiolini; University of Siena School of Medicine, Italy
11:00-11:30
Sleep and Depression
Ali Garatli; King Fahad Medical City, KSA
11:30-12:15
Psychedelics for Trauma and Mental Health Disorders
Rachel Yehuda; Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai (USA)
12:15-13:00
LUNCH
13:00-14:00
14:00-14:30
Janssen Symposium
TBC
PANEL: Psychedelics in Treatment: Hope or Hype
Chaired by Nahida Ahmed; Speakers: Rachel Yehuda, Maria Velkova, Ekaterina Malievskaia, Jesse Gould
14:30-15:30
BREAK
15:30-15:45
15:45-16:15
Hikma Symposium
TBC
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Karim Abdel Aziz; UAE University, UAE
16:15-17:00
117:00-17:15
Closing Remarks
Joseph El-Khoury & Samer Makhoul
The one day event on Saturday, June 10th 2023 at the prestigious Conrad Hotel in Dubai will feature local, regional and international keynote speakers, who will discuss the latest trends and research on the novel treatments of mood disorders. The conference will also include panel discussions and workshops, where participants will have the opportunity to engage with speakers and each other on the latest advances in the field.
