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Family System Encourages Mental Well-being Across Life Span
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A seminar titled 'Mental Health across the Life Span', organised by
Aga Khan University's (AKU) Mental Health Research and Development
Forum (MHRDF), was held on Monday, October 10, 2005 to commemorate
the World Mental Health Day 2005.
Dr Syed Haroon Ahmad, President, Mental Health Association of Pakistan,
was the Chief Guest at the seminar. He emphasised that family plays
an important role in the patient's mental health care and said that
"Involvement of the family in patient's treatment and after care is
crucial." He observed that the practice of psychiatry has undergone
radical changes in Pakistan, and community mental health is becoming
the focus of mental health professionals.
Dr. Shifa Naeem, Honorary Consultant psychiatrist at AKU, discussed
the widely different perspectives regarding mental health of children
and parenting between the West and the East. She suggested a moderate
approach rather than one at either extreme. Dr Riffat M. Zaman, Professor,
Department of Psychiatry, AKU, in her presentation dealing with issues
of adolescence discussed research from Pakistan on some of the psychological
and cultural factors that play an important role in an adolescents'
development. Dr Nargis Asad, Clinical Psychologist, Department of
Psychiatry, AKU, while discussing adulthood issues, said that adult
men and women differ in their vulnerabilities to mental and physical
disorders by virtue of their biological and social differences and
that depression rates amongst women are higher than men.
The presentation on 'Late Adulthood: Pain and Privileges' by Dr Murad
Khan, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, AKU, was given
by Dr Naeem Siddiqui, Consultant Psychiatrist. The presentation highlighted
the reasons for older people getting demoralised and depressed like
actual physical problems of aging, loss of independence and social
stature. He pointed out that the Pakistani family support system which
entailed giving respect, care and involving elders in decision making,
made this period easier for the elderly as compared to cultures where
this is not done.
Dr Badar Sabir Ali, Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine,
AKU, and Chair MHRDF, informed the participants that MHRDF is a multidisciplinary
body that provides a forum for collaboration among individuals/organisations/
communities for promoting mental health and preventing mental illness,
using predominantly a community based approach of increasing awareness,
promoting early diagnosis and affordable treatment. AKU regularly
holds seminars, symposiums and lectures as part of its outreach programme
and societal commitment of creating awareness of early diagnosis and
timely treatment.
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