Advancing Child and Adolescent Mental Health: An Overview from the UAE

The Department of Psychiatry at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University (UAEU) — the oldest and most prestigious university in the United Arab Emirates — has been at the forefront of mental health advocacy, particularly in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Through a series of impactful workshops, collaborations, and ground-breaking research projects, the department is committed to raising awareness, educating the community, and contributing to scientific advancements in mental health.

Strengthening Awareness Through Collaborative Workshops

One of the department’s key initiatives was a highly successful workshop titled "Our Children, Our Future: Their Protection is Our Responsibility." This event was organized in collaboration with the Institute of Public Health at UAEU’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences and featured esteemed speakers from the Ministry of Interior and specialist paediatricians.

A highlight of the event was a lecture by Dr. Leena Amiri, who provided an in-depth discussion on various aspects and perspectives of child abuse, emphasizing its psychological impact and the importance of early intervention. The session was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, demonstrating the increasing interest in child protection and mental well-being. Also, Dr. Leena conducted a workshop titled “Supporting Caregivers in Addressing Daily Life Challenges' at the 2^nd International UAE Rare Disease Society Congress”. This initiative aimed to empower and assist caregivers in navigating complex challenges. That they face in their daily lives. The workshop's insights and strategies promise to make a significant impact on the well-being of caregivers within the rare disease community.

In another awareness initiative, the department partnered with the Emirates Happiness Center to deliver a thought-provoking lecture on bullying, presented by Dr. Dina Aly El Gabry. What made this event particularly unique and engaging was the active participation of schoolchildren, who were allowed to ask questions and share their personal experiences. This interactive session not only educated students about the psychological and social consequences of bullying but also empowered them with the tools to recognize and address it effectively.

The Digital Age and Adolescent Mental Health: Understanding the Impact of social media

Recognizing the emerging mental health challenges of the digital era, the Department of Psychiatry took part in the Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health Conference, where Dr. Dina Aly El Gabry delivered a presentation titled "Scrolling into the Darkness: The Role of Social Media in Teen Self-Harm."

Her lecture delved into the post-pandemic era, where social media dominates adolescent lives, shaping their identities, self-esteem, and mental well-being. She explored the power of "likes" and online validation, highlighting how excessive social media use has contributed to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among teens.

Dr. El-Gabry also introduced several modern psychological phenomena associated with social media overuse, including:

• Phubbing – Ignoring real-life interactions in favour of digital engagement.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – The anxiety of being left out of social experiences.
• Vaguebook & Social Overload – The stress of constant online interaction.
• Digital Persona & Nomophobia – The growing dependency on online identities and the fear of disconnection.
• Cyberbullying – The psychological distress caused by online harassment.

Her evidence-based discussion revealed how the habitual use of social media alters executive brain functions, particularly affecting the frontal and cingulate regions responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. She argued that the current DSM criteria for internet addiction fail to fully capture the explicit and implicit effects of social media on adolescent brain development, emphasizing the need for new diagnostic frameworks and intervention strategies.

Upcoming Event: Unravelling the Complexities of Dyslexia 

Continuing its commitment to mental health awareness, the Department of Psychiatry is currently preparing for an upcoming event on Dyslexia, which will provide a comprehensive exploration of this neurodevelopmental disorder. The event will cover the neurological, linguistic, and educational perspectives of dyslexia, offering valuable insights for educators, parents, and healthcare professionals. 

By deepening the understanding of dyslexia’s complexities, the department aims to enhance early diagnosis and intervention strategies, ultimately supporting children with dyslexia in reaching their full academic and personal potential. 

Pioneering Research: The Role of Oxytocin in Psychiatric Disorders 

In addition to its educational and advocacy efforts, the Department of Psychiatry is actively engaged in cutting-edge research. One of its most ambitious projects focuses on investigating Oxytocin levels in various psychiatric disorders, with a particular emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

This study, the first of its kind in the UAE, aims to compare Oxytocin levels in children with Autism in comparison with those in individuals experiencing other psychiatric conditions. The goal is to explore potential diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutic approaches, opening the door to more effective treatments for children with autism and other psychiatric disorders. 

A Vision for the Future: Shaping Mental Health Advocacy and Innovation 

Through its educational initiatives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and pioneering research, the Department of Psychiatry at UAEU continues to lead the way in child and adolescent mental health advocacy. By tackling both traditional and emerging challenges, the department plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of psychiatric care in the UAE and beyond. 

This article represents the view of its author(s) and does not necessarily represent the view of the IACAPAP's bureau or executive committee.

IACAPAP Bulletin, Issue 77