KMU hosts Seminar on Early Intervention for Severe Mental Illness

Khyber Medical University (KMU) Institute of Public Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, organized a seminar on the topic of Early Intervention for Severe Mental Illness at Senate Hall. The seminar, led by Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Firaz and Family Physician Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil Khan, aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues, particularly psychiatric illnesses, and to highlight the importance of timely intervention. The seminar emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders for early diagnosis and immediate treatment. 

Keynote speaker Professor Dr. Saeed Farooq shed light on the increasing burden of psychiatric illnesses in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). He highlighted that 9 out of 10 adolescents live in LMICs, with most psychiatric issues surfacing during adolescence, making this a potential epidemic for these countries. Prof. Dr. Farooq underscored the necessity of establishing quality-based services to provide comprehensive treatment to young patients, enabling them to lead productive lives. In a significant development, Professor Dr. Saeed Farooq announced the release of the first-ever clinical guidelines for managing the First Psychiatric Episode (FEP) in LMICs, a major milestone achieved under the HOPE Project.

In his address, KMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia ul Haq emphasized the importance of advancing research and quality initiatives in mental health. He pointed out that psychiatric challenges are among the greatest hurdles of the 21st century, while the number of mental health specialists remains disproportionately low compared to other medical fields. He shared that KMU Hospital is prioritizing mental health care by allocating dedicated staff and space for these services. He also highlighted the link between mental health disorders and the exacerbation of physical diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. This initiative, he said, reflects KMU’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges and promoting comprehensive healthcare.

The seminar was attended by experts and students from various fields, including psychiatry, psychology, family medicine, public health, research, and traditional spiritual healers. Traditional healers commended the HOPE Project as a commendable effort and expressed their willingness to collaborate with mental health specialists in the future.

To provide a practical dimension to the seminar, Clinical Psychologists Ms. Fatima Ruby and Ms. Zainab set up a stall under the director IPMH&BS, offering free diagnostic services to participants and students. Awareness materials, including leaflets and pamphlets, were distributed to promote understanding of mental health and psychological well-being. The seminar, jointly organized with Keele University and the Midland Partnership Foundation University, marks a significant milestone in addressing mental health issues in Pakistan.

Notable speakers included former KMC Peshawar Principal and renowned psychiatrist Professor Dr. Khalid Mufti, President of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society Professor Dr. Wajid Ali Akhunzada, Professor Dr. Bashir Ahmed, Professor Dr. Mukhtiar ul Haq, and Professor Dr. Shujaat Ali Khan also talked to the seminar.