Beattie Smith Lecture 2024: Preventing Psychotic Illnesses: Advances, Challenges, and Debates

This Year's Speaker: Professor Alison Yung

This year, we are honoured to welcome Professor Alison Yung, Professor of Psychiatry at Deakin University’s Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), an internationally recognised expert on early psychosis. Prof Yung is renowned for her work in identifying the early stages of psychotic disorders and for developing the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS), a globally adopted tool used for clinical and research purposes.

Professor Yung has made significant strides in the field of early intervention in psychosis, including establishing the world’s first clinical service for individuals at high risk of psychosis. Her research continues to shape the way we understand, detect, and treat the prodromal phase of psychotic disorders. Her accolades include the Richard J Wyatt Award, the Society for Mental Health Research Founders Medal, and the Schizophrenia International Research Society’s Outstanding Translational Research Award.

Lecture Topic: Preventing Psychotic Illnesses: Advances, Challenges, and Debates

Psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia, rarely appear without warning. They are often preceded by a prodromal phase, marked by subtle changes such as mood disturbances, sleep problems, and mild psychotic-like experiences. For three decades, Professor Yung has been researching this early phase, asking whether identifying and treating individuals during this time can delay or even prevent the onset of full-blown psychosis.

In her lecture, Professor Yung will reflect on the history of this field of research and the exciting progress that has been made. However, uncertainties remain—what are the best methods for identifying those at risk? What treatments are most effective? And, crucially, is focusing on high-risk individuals the best strategy for preventing psychosis? Join us as Professor Yung explores these important questions and the ongoing controversies in the field.

Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the most influential voices in early psychosis research. Register now to reserve your spot for this illuminating session.