Conference to Discuss Latest Research on Neurobiology of Mental Illness
On October 7, scientists, clinicians, policy makers and patients will join together in an all-day forum to discuss new scientific understandings of psychiatric disorders
Published September 19, 2016
NEW YORK, September 19, 2016 — Mental health disorders can cause debilitating consequences on quality of life for individuals, families, and society. The World Health Organization has reported that mental illnesses are the leading causes of disability worldwide, accounting for 37 percent of healthy years lost from non-communicable diseases. Depression alone accounts for one-third of this disability.
On Friday, October 7, the New York Academy of Sciences and Janssen Neuroscience will present an all-day symposium and webinar entitled, Advances in the Neurobiology of Mental Illness. Featuring presentations by leading researchers and practitioners, the symposium will provide a neutral forum for scientists, clinicians, policy makers and patients across the academic, industry, patient care and government sectors to discuss new findings on the neurobiology of a number of psychiatric disorders.
Husseini K. Manji, MD, FRCPC — the Global Therapeutic Head for Neuroscience at Janssen Research & Development, LLC — will commence the day with an overview of the state of the science in mental illness.
"A range of mental illnesses have very strong neurobiological underpinnings, and we are learning more about the mechanisms that underlie these disorders every day," says Dr. Manji. "It is our hope that this conference provides an open forum that will lead to greater understandings of these neurobiological factors so that more individuals with mental illness may be helped with evidence-based treatments."
Plenary presentations will focus on schizophrenia, major depression, eating disorders, and childhood-onset psychiatric disorders such as autism. In addition to examining basic science findings on the brain mechanisms involved in these illnesses, the symposium will explore avenues for translating this bench research into treatments, new tools and technologies, and innovative ways to provide overall optimal care for patients suffering from these disorders.
Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, supported this event through their affiliate, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
For press inquiries, including press passes to the conference and interview or photo requests, please contact Margaret Ceres (mceres@nyas.org; 212-298-8612). Please note that this event is sold out to the general public, but registration is still available for the free simulcast webinar.
About the New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science, technology, and society worldwide. With more than 20,000 members in 100 countries around the world, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. The Academy's core mission is to drive innovative solutions to society's challenges by advancing scientific research, education, and policy. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies
The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenUS and www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal.