Mental health research finds answers for children, young people and adults

The Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy conference will be held at the Carlton Crest Hotel from July 5 to 9.

Supported by the University of Queensland's Department of Psychiatry, the annual conference attracts speakers and participants from across Australia and overseas.

University clinical psychologist Karen Turner said increasing attention had been given to mental health issues in Australia in recent years.

'Mental health promotion is important as large numbers of Australians are affected by mental health problems. It is estimated that 20% of adults and 15-20% of children and young people are affected by mental health problems at any time,' she said.

'This conference provides professional skills training workshops and a scientific program to update mental health workers on recent advancements in prevention and intervention strategies.'

Topics under discussion during the five day conference include Eating disorders and weight loss, Sleep problems in young children, Countering post-natal depression and Problem-solving with adolescents and their families.

Skills workshops for mental health practitioners will be conducted on child abuse, treatment of anxiety disorders in children and young people, alcohol abuse, schizophrenia and paediatric health psychology will be held on July 5 and 6.

According to the University of South Florida's Professor Trevor Stokes, children with health disorders and physical disabilities also have many psychological complications linked both indirectly and directly to chronic medical conditions.

Aggression, depression and regression by children will be discussed in his workshop along with clinical case studies including leukemia, haemophilia, stroke, tactile defensiveness and surgery avoidance.

Four keynote addresses will include Macquarie University Associate Professor Ron Rapee who will speak on Big Boys Don't Cry: The development of anxiety problems.

Dr Rapee's research has focused on children's anxiety, potential contributing factors in anxiety, and social phobia, and has been widely published in international journals.

Ms Turner said the conference would target a number of important issues including adult, youth and childhood mental health.

'The conference will focus on current research in these areas which gives it relevance to a wide range of professionals and the community,' she said.

'These issues have always been important but are now receiving the recognition they deserve.

'Many issues covered in this conference have implications for mental health policy, professional education and training, clinical service provision, and future research.'

For information contact Ms Turner at the University's School of Psychology on 07 3365 7306 or fax 07 3365 6724. During the conference phone mobile 0412 007 580.