ESCAM’s First Annual Conference: Celebrating 10 Years of Growth

On April 19, 2025, the Emirates Society for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ESCAM), under the umbrella of the Emirates Medical Association (EMA), marked a major milestone by hosting its first Annual Conference. Held at the Al Khoory Courtyard Hotel in Dubai, the event welcomed 100 mental health professionals from across the United Arab Emirates and Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The conference coincided with the 10th anniversary of ESCAM’s establishment in 2015, offering a moment to reflect on a decade of leadership, collaboration, and growth in advancing child and adolescent mental health in the region. 

The conference aligned with the broader vision for 2025 as declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates: 

"God willing, 2025 will be the 'Year of the Community' in the UAE—a year in which we work hand in hand to strengthen the bonds within our society and families, reinforce our shared responsibility in building our nation, and unleash potential and talent." 

Reflecting this spirit, the conference adopted the theme: 
"Challenges and Insights on Mental Health in the Modern Era – Perspectives from the Gulf Countries." 

In line with this vision, the ESCAM Annual Conference 2025 aimed to strengthen professional collaboration, community engagement, and innovations in mental health care for children and adolescents. 

The opening ceremony set a warm and ambitious tone, with ESCAM President Dr. Meshal A. Sultan and Scientific Committee Chairperson Dr. Haidar Al Abdullah expressing gratitude to the society’s founding members. Dr. Ammar Albanna, Dr. Ahmad Almai, Dr. Khaled Kadry, Dr. Muhammad Tahir, and Dr. Zeinab Alloub were recognized for laying the foundations of an organization that has steadily grown in influence and impact.

Importantly, the contributions of the Organizing Committee were highlighted, acknowledging the dedicated efforts of Dr. Haidar Al Abdullah, Dr. Ammar Albanna, Dr. Meshal A. Sultan, Ms. Shaikha Alhemeiri, Dr. Maha Al Ali, Dr. Ruchita Shah, Ms. Shaima Al Mekhlafi, Dr. Syed Ali Bokhari, Ms. Afra Belhoul, Dr. Madonna Yanni, and Dr. Faisal Nawaz in making the conference a success.

Strengthening Foundations: New Chapters Announced 

The conference featured important announcements about ESCAM’s future directions. Three new chapters were launched to expand the society’s reach and focus on specialized areas of care: 

• The Perinatal Mental Health Chapter, led by President Dr. Giles Berrisford and Secretary General Dr. Madonna Yanni. 
• The Educational Psychology Chapter, led by President Dr. Rasha Mashmoushi and Vice President Dr. Ruba Tabari. 
• The Autism Chapter of the Emirates (ACE), with Dr. Ammar Albanna announced as President. 

These initiatives reflect ESCAM’s commitment to a multidisciplinary and lifespan approach to mental health across all developmental stages. 

The conference also highlighted the ongoing work of the Infant Mental Health Committee, established in 2019 under the leadership of Dr. Azhar Abu Ali, which continues to advance early childhood mental health initiatives in the UAE and beyond. 

Exploring Clinical Advances 

The scientific program began with a focus on clinical developments and best practices. Moderated by Dr. Ali Alsaad, the first session featured a series of expert presentations. Professor Ahmed Al Ansari discussed contemporary perspectives on diagnosis and treatment in child and adolescent psychiatry, setting a clinical foundation for the day. 

Dr. Khalid Bazaid followed with an update on new approaches to managing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), offering practical insights for practitioners. Professor Muhammad Waqar Azeem then delivered a session on recent developments in autism spectrum disorder research, drawing attention to shifting paradigms in understanding and intervention. 

A forum discussion allowed participants to further engage with the themes and share perspectives across different clinical settings. 

Media, Technology, and Youth Mental Health: Risks and Remedies 

The second session of the day, moderated by Dr. Hassan Mirza, turned to the powerful influence of media and technology on youth mental health. Dr. Muna Alshekaili presented research on the impact of violent media content on adolescent behavior, highlighting risks that often go unnoticed. Dr. Yahya Al Kalbani addressed the growing concern about social media’s effects on young people's emotional wellbeing, providing a timely analysis of both challenges and protective strategies. Dr. Sarah Almarzooqi introduced innovative work on virtual reality applications in mental health, describing how immersive technologies could revolutionize PTSD exposure therapy. 

These presentations sparked important discussions about balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations and youth safety. 

Innovation and Holistic Care: The Future of Child Mental Health 

Innovation and holistic approaches were the focus of the third session, moderated by Dr. Randa Youssef. Dr. Shuliweeh Alenezi opened the session by showcasing the role of wearable technologies, digital biomarkers, and machine learning applications in ADHD diagnosis and management. Dr. Maha Al Ali spoke about psychiatric perspectives on functional neurological disorders, and Dr. Haidar Al Abdullah emphasized the role of parenting approaches in promoting mental health. 

Sparking Debate: Rethinking Neurodiversity and the Medical Model 

One of the most dynamic parts of the conference was a debate moderated by Dr. Ammar Albanna on the motion "Neurodiversity Should Replace the Medical Model in Understanding Autism and ADHD." Dr. Madonna Yanni and Dr. Habib Altakroni spoke in favor of the motion, advocating for a strengths-based view that embraces differences, while Dr. Ali Alsaad and Dr. Hassan Mirza defended the importance of the medical model. 

Looking Ahead 

The ESCAM Annual Conference 2025 was a landmark event that celebrated past achievements while laying the groundwork for future innovations. As the conference closed with a ceremony recognizing speakers and contributors, followed by a networking lunch, there was a strong sense of energy and optimism for what lies ahead. 

ESCAM’s expanded focus areas, dynamic scientific programming, and growing community of dedicated professionals position it as a leading force for child and adolescent mental health in the region. Future initiatives promise to continue building on this momentum, fostering research, education, and advocacy across a rapidly changing landscape. 

For more information on ESCAM’s work and upcoming events, follow us on LinkedIn at ESCAM EMA or visit www.escam.ae. 

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 78