National CAP CME 2024: Reviving the Tradition with Renewed Energy | 4th-5th October 2024 – National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India
By: Lakshmi Sravanti1 and John Vijay Sagar Kommu21 Assistant Professor, Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NIMHANS, India2 Professor & HOD, Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NIMHANS, India.
The much-awaited announcement read:
"Dear Ma’am/Sir,
Greetings from NIMHANS, Bengaluru!
The Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), is organizing the National Child and Adolescent Psychiatry CME (CAP CME) 2024.”
After a four-year hiatus spurred by the pandemic, the CAP CME made a vibrant comeback. Held at the Convention Centre on the sprawling NIMHANS campus, this year’s CME centered around the theme “Internalizing Disorders in Children and Adolescents”. The two-day, exclusively offline program drew a total of 390 registrations, reflecting widespread interest in this important area of child and adolescent mental health. The program aimed to provide clinical and research updates on often-overlooked internalizing conditions, such as selective mutism, attachment injuries in preschool children, pediatric OCD, and the interplay of internalizing symptoms like depression and anxiety in ADHD. October was aptly chosen, marking “Selective Mutism and ADHD Awareness Month”. To ensure an enriching learning experience, the program brought together leading voices from across the globe including Prof. Daniel Fung, former President of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) and Prof. Christina Schwenck, former Secretary General of the IACAPAP. The CME was graced by the presence of our esteemed retired senior professors, including the revered Dr. Shoba Srinath, instrumental in starting the first accredited super-speciality training programme in child and adolescent psychiatry in India and Dr Shekhar Seshadri, current President of the Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (IACAM).
The first day featured four engaging workshops, strategically scheduled with two in the forenoon and two in the afternoon. These workshops provided participants with practical and innovative approaches to addressing internalizing disorders in children and adolescents. Sessions included an introduction to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy tailored for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM) by Prof. Christina Schwenck (University of Giessen), offering actionable insights into this therapeutic modality. Another session, led by the Project SAMVAD team (NIMHANS) in collaboration with the organizing team, explored creative methodologies to support recovery from trauma and loss, utilizing expressive techniques to promote healing. A workshop by the team from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Singapore, led by Prof. Daniel Fung, examined the use of a serious comic to facilitate mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of developmentally appropriate interventions. The fourth session, conducted by Prof. Iris Chih-Tsai Chen (Taoyuan Psychiatric Centre, Taiwan), focused on interventions for suicide and self-injury in youth, addressing critical challenges faced by this vulnerable population.
Figure 1: Pre-CME Workshops.
Figure 2: Pre-CME Workshops.
The day’s activities were thoughtfully designed to balance intensive learning with opportunities for interaction and engagement. Complementing the workshops, the postgraduate quiz, QuizWhiz 2024, held in the evening added a spirited competitive edge to the program, sparking enthusiasm among trainees for child and adolescent psychiatry. The ever-enthusiastic and passionate quizmaster, Dr. Madhu Vamsi, kept the participants thoroughly engaged. The evening concluded with a lively reunion dinner, where alumni and current trainees shared memories and strengthened their connections.
Figure 3: Quiz Participants with Quizmaster Dr. Madhu Vamsi and Organizing Chairperson Dr. John Vijay Sagar.
The second day began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, accompanied by a soulful invocation song performed by children under the department's care. Prof. Dr. John Vijay Sagar, the Head of the Department and the organizing chairperson, delivered the welcome address. The inaugural session was presided over by Sr. Prof. Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, who shared insightful and thought-provoking reflections. This session also featured the release of the department’s first IEC materials focused on the transdiagnostic themes of school refusal and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), reinforcing its commitment to community education. The Registrar, Dr. B.S. Shankaranarayana Rao, the Dean of Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Prabha Chandra, and the Medical Superintendent, Prof. Dr. K. Muralidharan, shared their valuable perspectives, setting the stage for the scientific session that followed. Dr. Lakshmi Sravanti, the organizing secretary, expressed gratitude with the vote of thanks.
Figure 4: Lighting of the Lamp by Dignitaries and Delegates (L->R: Dr. Pratima Murthy, Dr. Lakshmi Sravanti, Dr. Iris Chen, Dr. Prabha Chandra, Dr. Christina Schwenck, Dr. K Muralidharan, Dr. Daniel Fung).
Figure 5: Release of IEC materials on School Refusal and NSSI (L->R: Mr. Jayasurya, Ms. Trisha, Dr. Latha, Dr. Lakshmi Sravanti, Dr. Prabha Chandra, Dr. Pratima Murthy, Dr. B.S. Shankaranarayana Rao, Dr. K. Muralidharan, Dr. John Vijay Sagar).
Distinguished experts in the field delivered evidence-based talks covering a wide range of topics related to the CME theme. Prof. Dr. Daniel Fung delved into the complexities of anxiety and depression in children with ADHD, providing new insights into these co-occurring conditions. Prof. Dr. Christina Schwenck and Sr. Prof. Dr. Y.C. Janardhan Reddy discussed the latest research and clinical approaches for selective mutism and pediatric OCD, respectively, highlighting their unique aspects and treatment challenges. The discussions further explored the impact of trauma and abuse on internalizing disorders, presented by Prof. Dr. Iris Chih-Tsai Chen, and strategies for healing attachment disruptions in young children, detailed by Retd. Sr. Prof. Dr. Shekhar Seshadri. Prof. Dr. Thomas Kishore elaborated on transdiagnostic factors in adolescents, introducing a model for intervention to address the multifaceted nature of these disorders. Their contributions offered invaluable perspectives, enriching the scientific depth of the event.
Figure 6: CME Deliberations
Figure 7: CME Deliberations
Figure 8: CME Deliberations
Figure 9: CME Deliberations
To nurture creativity and scholarship, the program included a poster competition for postgraduate trainees and early-career researchers. The entries were evaluated by Retd. Sr. Prof. Seshadri, and child psychiatrist Dr. Sowmya Bhaskaran. This initiative provided a platform to showcase innovative research while celebrating and rewarding excellence. The poster presentations covered a broad range of topics on internalizing disorders, from diagnostic challenges and therapeutic approaches to innovative interventions and cultural considerations. These contributions brought fresh perspectives and valuable insights, enriching the event.
Figure 10: Poster Presentations in Action at the CME.
Figure 11: Prof Iris Chih-Tsai Chen at the ‘Expressions & Impressions’ Gallery.
The enthusiasm of participants was evident in their active engagement across workshops and sessions. Additionally, children under the department’s care showcased their artwork and poetry at the 'Expressions & Impressions' gallery, infusing the event with a deeply personal and inspiring touch. The overwhelmingly positive feedback confirmed the program’s success, leaving participants motivated to advance the cause of child and adolescent mental health. The National CAP CME 2024 was more than just a scientific gathering; it was a heartfelt celebration of resilience and a commitment to continued learning.
Figure 12: Organizing Chairperson Dr. John Vijay Sagar with Dr Shoba Srinath and the Organizing Committee.
COMMENTS
“I am impressed by the breadth of topics presented as workshops and lectures and the enthusiasm of the participants to learn. Congratulations to Dr Lakshmi Sravanti for a job well done!” - Prof Daniel Fung, Former President, IACAPAP
“Giving a talk and workshop on Selective Mutism at the CME in Bangalore was a wonderful experience for me. The warm welcome into this great community that deals with children with mental illness and the exciting exchange with the colleagues from India will remain in my memory.” - Prof Christina Schwenck, Former Secretary-General, IACAPAP
This article represents the view of its author(s) and does not necessarily represent the view of the IACAPAP's bureau or executive committee.
