Promises echo, yet again, about setting up of child psychiatry department at PIMS

Islamabad

Each time that the Department of Psychiatry of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) arranges an event, promises are made for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Child Psychiatry Department in the hospital, only to be forgotten the next morning.

The same old pledge was repeated at Monday's grand seminar on childhood psychological disorders, both by the minister of CADD Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, as well as the vice chancellor of Shaheed Zulifqar Ali Bhutto Medical University-PIMS, Dr. Javed Akram. The seminar was attended by over 200 participants including doctors, teachers, psychologists, and sociologists, all of who reiterated to work together for this important cause.

Dr. Tariq announced support for the development of child psychiatric services in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). He claimed being fully aware of the total lack of education about these illnesses, leading to desperate people landing in the lap of non-professionals. He also announced the initiative of establishing school counselors in all ICT schools.

Dr. Akram announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art Child Psychiatry Department at PIMS "very soon." He also shared his plan to start post-graduation in this neglected area.

As many as 20,000 children were treated for psychiatric diseases at PIMS during 2015. Of these, 11,000 were mentally challenged while 9,000 were suffering from tension and depression, the participants were informed.

Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj, the organiser of the event, said Pakistan has a large population of under-16 years. Up to 15 to 20 per cent of the population, at any time, suffers from mental health issues, he said. The causes are manifold and include interplay of genes, large family size, poverty, adverse experiences, poor relationships, and substance misuse. "If these issues are not appropriately addressed, the scar is carried forever," he stated, adding "delay in seeking help results in crucial years lost."

The seminar highlighted the need for public awareness and the creation of a supportive environment for long-term prevention. "Positive relationship with parents, teachers, and other adults, the sense of being valued, healthy school environment, exposure to positive values, rules and expectations, and a sense of belonging to a community youth group are key preventive ingredients," Dr. Rizwan added.

Professor Adnan Khan from the University of Columbia, USA, delivered a stimulating lecture on autism and pervasive developmental disorders. He too announced full support for the university's initiatives and promised to contribute through regular visits.

Dr. Usama Sabzwari from the University of Florida, USA, spoke about the commonest disorder of childhood depression, which is missed in most cases.

Professor Mazhar Malik of Rawal Institute lectured on attention deficit disorder, which is a common problem presenting in clinical practice.

Asima Khan, chief psychologist at PIMS, spoke about psychometric assessment of children. The last talk was on childhood trauma reaction by Professor Rizwan Taj.

The speakers agreed that the onus of responsibility lies on professionals; they need to find solutions to address gaps, and to produce a generation of healthy, balanced, and successful individuals.