The 4th Advances in Psychiatry Across Ages (APAA) Conference was held from January 31st to February 2nd, 2025, at the Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre in the UAE. This pivotal event convened leading psychiatrists and neurologists to explore the latest innovations in mental healthcare across the entire lifespan.
The conference commenced with a dedicated Pre-Conference day featuring specialized workshops. The opening session, "Dementia Alliance – Setting The Scene," was authoritatively led by Prof. George Tadros. This was followed by an insightful Clinical Upskilling Program, which included sessions on the UAE Model of Group Psychotherapy, ECG training for psychiatrists, and protocols for adult ADHD assessment.
Day 1 of the scientific agenda featured a series of comprehensive lectures on pressing topics. Sessions provided crucial updates on the management of Bipolar Disorders and advances in the treatment of Psychosis. The day included a significant discussion on the paradigm shift in Child Psychiatry and addressed the complex treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. The afternoon continued with expert-led presentations on novel approaches to dementia, digital technology in mental health, and the progression of treatment with long-acting injectable antipsychotics.
Day 2 continued the momentum with focused sessions on specialized areas of practice. The morning featured critical updates on the management of addiction disorders, women's mental health in premenopausal life, and mood disorders in adolescence. Expert panels later discussed the practical management of hyperprolactinemia and the pharmacological strategies for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). The conference concluded with parallel workshops delving into the management of depression within complex disorders, safeguarding protocols, and advanced therapeutic tools for childhood trauma.
Throughout the three days, the conference provided an exceptional platform for education and professional development, offering attendees 19 CPD credits. It successfully fostered dialogue and collaboration among professionals, facilitating the exchange of groundbreaking ideas and clinical strategies dedicated to advancing psychiatric care for patients of all ages.
