Discovery research in neuropsychiatry: depression, anxiety and schizophrenia in focus March 17, 2011

The aim of the conference is to inform the stakeholders in Brussels as well as in the individual EU member states about the general importance of finding better treatments or prevention strategies for these disorders. Besides neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) – which have been in the focus of several earlier presidencies as health or “R and D” main themes – the other major set of disorders that have the most profound effect on the population of Europe these days are psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Information explosion exerting an adaptational pressure on the brain, as well as the global economical, environmental and energy crisis leading to a loss of security in civilized societies, are most likely responsible for this alarming conclusion, also emphasised by WHO. Current epidemiological studies revealed that about 27% of the EU population (18-65 years) was affected by at least one mental disorder in the preceding 12 months. However, recent research discoveries clearly show that the majority of these mental disorders can be successfully treated, and prevention strategies can be identified, thereby the psychological and economic burden on society can be profoundly reduced.

It is in the best interest of all EU countries to realize the danger, and consider discovery research into the mechanisms of these disorders as major priority. We have to use all means, – including the present conference, as well as other initiatives during the Hungarian EU presidency -, to convince the policymakers as well as the society in general that this threat is real, the burden on society is immense, and only new treatments and prevention strategies based on these discoveries can provide a solution

Conference information provided by konferenciakalauz.hu

Official Website: http://www.eu2011.hu/event/discovery-research-neuropsychiatry-depression-anxiety-and-schizophrenia-focus