Pre-Conference Workshops and Seminars
The Pre-conference workshops and seminars have now been released, please
click here to download a copy.
This year we have increased the scope and number of pre-conference workshops and seminars which will be held on topics such as:
- Use of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
- Assessment and Treatment of Circadian and Sleep-wake Disturbance in Psychiatry
- Diagnostic Neuroradiology in Neurology and Psychiatry
- Media Training and Presentation Training Workshop for Early Career Researchers
- Undertaking a Systematic Review: why, why not, how?
- Clinical Applications of Neuroimaging
- Cognitive Remediation
- Brain Matters
Use of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
Sponsored by the Postgraduate Program in Brain and Mind Sciences, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Presented by Prof Tim Lambert, Director Schizophrenia Treatment and Outcomes Research, Brain & Mind Research Institute
Date: Saturday 4 December, 9.00am – 4.30pm
Venue: Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Cost: $250
Description of workshop
In both psychopharmacological and clinical settings, the measurement of change in psychopathology in schizophrenia remains an important focus. Although change in symptoms has been reliably measured with the BPRS and the SANS, the PANSS has largely replaced such instruments as it offers a number of advantages, including the measurement of positive, negative and general psychopathology items in one scale, operationalised anchor points, and a structured interview guide. The BMRI PANSS training workshop will take participants through the structure of the PANSS, discuss the hints that make the scale more reliable, and then go on to involve participants in two patient ratings using well-established video material. Participants will be provided with their reliability scores, which will be discussed in an open framework to facilitate the scale’s interpretation. Over the last 14 years the BMRI schizophrenia team has trained over 1000 clinicians and researchers in the use of the PANSS and has developed a self-training CD-ROM for use by individuals and teams (available for all participants on request).
Learning objectives
- Confidently use and interpret results of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) in practical application.
Who should attend?
Mental health clinicians and researchers.
Presenter Biography
Tim Lambert BSc MBBS PhD FRANZCP is Professor of Psychiatry at Concord Clinical School at The University of Sydney in Australia. He also holds an appointment as Head of Schizophrenia Treatment and Outcomes Research at the Brain & Mind Research Institute in Sydney. In addition, he fulfils clinical duties for the SSWAHS in Sydney as Director of the Centre of Excellence in Relapse Prevention in Psychosis (CERP), and at the Concord Centre for Cardiometabolic Health in Psychosis (ccCHIP). Professor Lambert has a portfolio of interests spanning clinical psychosis research, outcomes research, training, and education. His current interests focus on physical comorbidities of psychotic disorders, especially metabolic syndrome; multidimensional incomplete recovery (relapse prevention); services research (pharmacoepidemiology); the clinical pharmacology of LAI antipsychotics (first and second generation) and of the second-generation antipsychotics, particularly risk-benefit aspects and the applied clinical pharmacology of antipsychotic switching; extrapyramidal side effects; and subjective wellbeing under neuroleptic treatment. His work has been utilised to produce educational and training materials, including CD-ROMs and DVDs, for mental health workers in many parts of the world.
Assessment and Treatment of Circadian and Sleep-wake Disturbance in Psychiatry
Sponsored by the Postgraduate Program in Brain and Mind Sciences, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Presented by A/Prof Naomi Rogers, Director Chronobiology & Sleep Laboratory, Brain & Mind Research Institute; A/Prof Sharon Naismith, Director Clinical Research Unit, Brain & Mind Research Institute
Date: Saturday 4 December, 1.00pm – 4.30pm
Venue: Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Cost: $150
Description of Workshop
This workshop will provide an overview of the circadian and homeostatic sleep-wake systems, the impacts of disturbances to these systems, treatment options to address these disturbances, and how these relate to psychiatric symptoms and disorders.
Learning objectives
- To gain an understanding of the circadian and homeostatic sleep-wake systems in relation to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease.
- To understand the relationship between sleep-wake disturbances, symptomatology and cognition.
- To gain an understanding of available and potential interventions to manage circadian and sleep-wake disturbances in patients with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
Who should attend?
This workshop would be of relevance to any health care professional engaged in the care of individuals experiencing neuropsychiatric disorders or symptoms, sleep disturbance or circadian disruption. Interested professionals would include psychiatrists, psychologists, general practitioners, and nurses.
Presenter Biographies
Associate Professor Sharon Naismith is the Director of the Clinical Research Unit and the Healthy Brain Ageing program at the Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney. She is a Clinical Neuropsychologist, and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and College of Clinical Neuropsychologists. Her research interests are in correlates of cognitive change in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including the modifiable risk factors such as sleep disturbances. She has published widely in the areas of sleep, cognition, neuroimaging and genetics across the areas of depression, Parkinson’s Disease, psychosis and mild cognitive impairment. She has been asked to present this work at a number of national and international conferences. She is a Chief Investigator on grants totalling over $2million including an NHMRC funded grant specifically examining sleep and circadian changes in neurodegenerative diseases.
Associate Professor Naomi Rogers is Director of the Chronobiology & Sleep Group at the Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney. A/Prof Rogers is an internationally recognised researcher in chronobiology and sleep, and has presented invited papers at national and international conferences, in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Europe and Asia. She has numerous publications in scientific journals and invited chapters and review papers in books and journals. She has served as an expert in her field on panels and in workshops for the National Institutes of Health, NASA, National Space Biomedical Research Institute, National Transport Commission and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. She is on the Board of Directors of the Australian Society for Medical Research, the Australasian Sleep Association and the Sleep Health Foundation, and previously served on the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Sleep Research & Sleep Medicine Societies, and currently serves on the Australasian Sleep Association Research Committee (as Chair) and the Sleep Research Society (U.S.) Educational Programs Committee.
Diagnostic Neuroradiology in Neurology and Psychiatry
Sponsored by the Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Presented by Dr Lynette Masters, Southern Radiology
Date: Sunday 5 December, 9.00am – 12.30pm
Venue: Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Cost: $150
Description of workshop
This module will introduce participants to the basic principles of MRI, its uses in the diagnosis of neurologic and psychiatric illness, and an overview of research applications. The fundamentals of the interpretation of diagnostic MRIs will also be reviewed.
Learning objectives
- Understand the basic principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Use MRI appropriately to diagnose neurologic and psychiatric illness
- Understand the scope of MRI in research application
- Learn fundamentals of interpreting diagnostic MRI
Who should attend?
This workshop is aimed at clinicians and researchers who wish to gain an understanding of the basic principles and uses of MRI.
Media Training and Presentation Workshop for Early Career Researchers
Sponsored by Australian Rotary Health
Presented by Australian Rotary Health - Dr Rob Morrison, Flinders University and Prof Michael Sawyer, University of Adelaide.
Date: Sunday 5 December, 10.30am – 4.00pm
Venue: Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Cost: There is no cost to participants.
Description of workshop
Australian Rotary Health, in conjunction with the ASPR conference, will again hold a Media Training and Presentation Training Workshop following the excellent feedback that has been received from similar workshops held over the last five years. The morning session - Media Training - will be run by science media guru, Professor Rob Morrison and the second session will focus on Presentation Training and will be conducted by Professor Michael Sawyer of the University of Adelaide. The latter will focus on approaches to presenting research to community groups (e.g., Rotary Clubs) or to general scientific audiences. Previous reading will be distributed two weeks prior. It will focus on how to give good short (15-20 minute) presentations. Both sessions will concentrate on translating theory into practice with lots of active participation. Expressions of interest in attending are now sought. The workshop is limited to 25 people.
Learning objectives
- Analyse media articles and news reports.
- Select the appropriate angle for a science story and understand the different requirements of TV, Radio and Press.
- Plan, write and effectively post your own Media Release.
- Learn how to keep control of the interview and what to watch out for.
- Learn key points in giving clear short presentations through practical review and discussion of several 10-15 minute presentations by participating ARH (Rotary) students and a presentation by a senior researcher.
Who should attend?
Higher Research Degree Students are the primary audience. Secondary audience is newly established researchers and junior academic staff.
Presenter Biographies
Dr Rob Morrison OAM is a freelance science communicator and broadcaster, and Professorial Fellow at Flinders University of South Australia. Rob has written 34 books on science and natural history, and is co-author of 13 more, as well as dozens of articles. A science and environment broadcaster for forty years on television and radio, he co-hosted the long-running national television program Curiosity Show, which screened in 14 countries. Rob was for ten years the environment and science correspondent for Channel Ten TV News and produced the science segments on NEXUS, the television program of the Australia Network, Australia’s Asia Pacific Service, which screens in 43 countries. He is a regular columnist for Chemistry in Australia and prepares talks and segments for Ockham’s Razor and the Science Show on ABC Radio National. He has won many national and international awards, including two Eureka Prizes, one being the Australian Government Eureka Prize for the Promotion of Science, the Michael Daley Award for Science Journalism, and the inaugural SA South Australian Government award for Excellence in Science Communication. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of Australia for Science Communication and Conservation. He is Chair or a member of many Boards and Councils of environment and conservation organizations, and was the South Australian Senior Australian of the Year for 2008.
Michael Sawyer, OAM, MBBS, PhD, Dip Child Psych., FRANZCP, FRCPC is Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the School of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Adelaide and Head, Research and Evaluation Unit at the Women's and Children's Hospital in South Australia. He is currently a Director with Australian Rotary Health. Prior to this appointment he was Chair of the Australian Rotary Health Research Committee. He has also previously been Head, Department of Paediatrics and Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Adelaide. In 2008, Professor Sawyer was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the field of child and adolescent mental health as a researcher and educator. Professor Sawyer completed his undergraduate medical education at Monash University and his post-graduate training in psychiatry at McMaster University and the University of Toronto in Canada. Professor Sawyer's research has focused on the quality of life of children with chronic illness and the epidemiology of child and adolescent mental disorders. Professor Sawyer was the lead investigator in the Child and Adolescent Component of the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being in Australia and the beyondblue Schools Research Initiative.
Undertaking a systematic review: why, why not, how?
Sponsored by the Postgraduate Program in Brain and Mind Sciences, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Presented by Dr Maree Hackett, Senior Research Fellow Neurological & Mental Health Research, The George Institute for Global Health
Date: Sunday 5 December, 1.00pm – 4.30pm
Venue: Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Cost: $150
Description of workshop
This will be an interactive workshop broadly covering all aspects of systematic reviews of quantitative intervention and epidemiological studies. During this workshop participants will learn how to plan and conduct a systematic review.
Learning objectives
At the end of the workshop, attendees will know:
- What is involved in completing systematic reviews of intervention studies, prevalence studies and epidemiological studies of predictors; from developing a protocol, to data extraction and synthesis (actual statistical methods for data pooling will not be covered).
- Whether to complete a Cochrane or non-Cochrane systematic review.
- The time and resource requirements for a successful systematic review.
Who should attend?
This workshop is suitable for postgraduate students, clinical trainees, clinicians, academics and researchers who have an interest in systematic reviews. Anyone considering completing a systematic review in the future, interested in systematic review methods, or currently completing a systematic review may benefit from this workshop.
Presenter Biography
Dr Maree Hackett’s longstanding area of interest is in health outcomes research, in particular, reducing psychological problems in people with physical illness. Her research to date includes Cochrane systematic reviews, non-Cochrane systematic reviews and meta-analysis, epidemiological stroke studies, randomised controlled trials, and qualitative research. She holds an NHMRC Population Health Career Development Award working across several projects on the psychosocial outcome of chronic disease and is course co-ordinator for the University of Sydney Masters of International Public Health paper, Mental Disorders in a Global Context.
Clinical Applications of Neuroimaging
Sponsored by Australian Society for Psychiatric Research and Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Presented by Prof Michael Breakspear, Queensland Institute of Medical Research; Dr Michael Valenzuela, School of Psychiatry, University of NSW; A/Prof Murat Yucel, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne
Date: Sunday 5 December, 1.00pm – 4.30pm
Venue: Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Cost: $250
Description of workshop
New techniques for the acquisition and analysis of structural, functional and biochemical imaging can now provide a wealth of information about the human brain. Whether this data can be effectively used as endpoints in clinical trials is an open question, and occurs in the context of a fascinating and fast-moving field. This workshop will examine this issue by focusing on some of the latest technical and analytical developments in this area with a specific focus on clinical relevance, as well as briefly review recent neuroimaging findings from clinical trials. Speakers will conclude with their perspective on the workshop’s overarching question.
Learning objectives
- Understand the clinical relevance of measures of functional and effective connectivity.
- Consider brain architecture as revealed by MRI.
- Familiarity with proton spectroscopy of the ‘neuropsychiatric’ metabolites.
Who should attend?
Those interested in the use of neuroimaging in clinical trials – clinicians, clinical researchers, neuroimagers and students in these areas.
Presenter Biographies
A/Prof Yücel is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who has been working in the field of neuropsychiatry. Broadly, his research tries to understand the neuropsychology and neurobiology of mental illness. More specifically, he is interested in researching the impulsive and compulsive nature of behavioural and drug addictions, as well as psychiatric, neurological and personality disorders. He is also interested in the links between heavy cannabis use, neurocognition and psychosis. He now has ~150 publications in leading international journals on these topics.
Professor Breakspear is a psychiatrist with a PhD in computational neuroscience. He undertook postdoctoral studies in the School of Physics at the University and The Black Dog Institute, before joining the academic staff in the School of Psychiatry at UNSW. Since 2009, he has been the inaugural Chair of the Division of Mental Health Research at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. Michael’s main contributions have been to the development of a “system’s neuroscience” that sees the brain as a complex, dynamical network.
Dr Valenzuela is a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Psychiatry, and leader of the Regenerative Neuroscience Group UNSW. His current research is aimed at understanding the competing forces of neuroplasticity and degeneration in the human brain, and includes studies of adult stem cells, animal models, neuroimaging, clinical trials and epidemiology. Dr Valenzuela is the author of the popular science book ‘It’s Never too Late to Change Your Mind’ which details the latest medical thinking about what you can do to avoid dementia.
Cognitive Remediation
Sponsored by Australian Society for Psychiatric Research and Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Presented by Dr Keri Diamond, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Brain & Mind Research Institute, Dr Antoinette Redoblado-Hodge, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Nicola Gates, Clinical Neuropsychologist and PhD Candidate, University of NSW
Date: Sunday 5 December, 1.00pm – 4.30pm
Venue: Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
Cost: $250
Description of workshop
The Cognitive Training (CT) Workshop will consist of a combination of theoretical information as well as practical computer-based and strategy based remediation. Delegates will learn about the application of CT across a broad range of clinical populations and settings. In this interactive workshop, delegates will have the opportunity to step into the role of both the therapist and patient and learn how to evaluate the efficacy of CT programs in both clinical and research settings.
Learning objectives
- Definition and description of CT.
- Clinical requirements to evaluate and implement CT programs for different clinical groups.
- Comprehensive summary of methodological issues within current CT clinical and research setting, and recommendations for further research and development of CT.
Who should attend?
This workshop is aimed at clinical and allied health staff intending to begin a CT program within inpatient or outpatient settings. Benefits to delegates include increased understanding of the clinical issues and practical requirements. Practitioners currently providing CT are also welcome and may benefit by improving their evidence based practice through increased awareness of current research, strategies to improve treatment efficacy, and developing critical evaluation skills.
Presenter Biographies
Keri Diamond is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist with 6 years of clinical experience. She has undergone extensive training in Cognitive Remediation and has developed a combined Cognitive Remediation and Psychoeducation Program for older adults together with A/Prof Sharon Naismith in the context of the Ageing Brain Centre at the BMRI. Keri has also published the results of cognitive remediation research trials in elderly patients ‘at risk’ of cognitive decline.
Antoinette Redoblado-Hodge is a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist with 12 years clinical experience. She has extensive clinical research and teaching experience in cognitive training within the context of child adolescent and youth psychiatry. She has published the results of research trials in cognitive training.
Nicola Gates graduated from Melbourne University with a Masters degree in Clinical Neuropsychology and has 16 years clinical experience in rehabilitation and acquired brain injury. Nicola has worked specifically in cognitive training since 2005, initially developing a brain training program, and now is completing a PhD at UNSW School of Psychiatry in cognitive training and the elderly. She has a number of publications on this and other rehabilitation topics, and regularly conducts professional and public education seminars on the topic.
Brain Matters
Sponsored by Pfizer Australia
Date: Saturday 4 December, 8.30am – 3.30pm
Venue: Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney
This Depression Education Program is a highly interactive program that incorporates discussion points, activities, case studies and videos accredited by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) as a Mental Health Skills Training (Level 1) activity. This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of the identification, treatment and management of depression in general practice and is allocated total CPD point 40 (Category 1) in the RACGP QA&CPD Program
The educational modules have been developed by Lifeblood and sponsored by an educational grant from Pfizer. Pfizer Australia, 38–42 Wharf Road, West Ryde NSW 2144. ABN 50 008 422 348.
Please note this workshop is for General Practitioners (GPs) only.
For more information and to register call Katie Dixon on (02) 9850 3962 or visit
www.pfizer.com.au.
