Page 52 - merged

Keynote Lecture 1

Challenges to Psychiatry

Professor Dinesh Bhugra

President, World Psychiatric Association, UK

In the last 60 years or so there have been major advances in understanding the aetiology of
psychiatric illnesses and developing newer intervention (not only drug therapies but also
psychotherapies). However, psychiatry now stands at the cusp of exciting discoveries and social
changes. As a result of recent globalisation there has been an increase in urbanisation and
industrialisation and this has changed societies, their structures and support systems. The recent
world-wide economic downturn has dramatically increased pressures on resources, including health
resources, just when more resources are needed. In addition, key stakeholders’ views are changing.
Patients are becoming more aware of their needs and have better knowledge of their medication and
illnesses. In the early 21st century, the understanding of genome mapping has led to the development
of psychopharmacogenomics. Nevertheless, stigma, prejudice and discrimination towards mental
illness, the mentally ill and mental health professionals continues, leading to an increasing mental
health gap across the globe. A shortage of human resources produces yet another challenge. Social
media, advances in technology and newer ways of learning are critical to our understanding of
delivery of services. The closure of asylums and the move to the community services must be borne
in mind as contributing to further challenges. Public mental health strategies must be taken into
account.