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Program Details

Advancing the Well-Being of Individuals with Schizophrenia: A Research Update

A free public education program
Saturday, November 7, 2009

Presented by
The Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program of the
Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry

Produced in collaboration with
The Mood & Anxiety Disorders Institute Resource Center of the
Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry

Sponsored by
The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation and Private Donors to the Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program of the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry

** This program is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.


Welcome

Please join us for the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Department of Psychiatry’s 7th Annual Schizophrenia Education Day. This program is intended for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and their families and friends.

Individuals with schizophrenia generally experience difficulties with their physical and cognitive well-being, even after symptoms of their illness are fully treated. As people with schizophrenia and their families are aware, the challenges of preserving cognitive function, attaining full employment, and managing health issues are daunting.

The aim of this educational program is to provide you with information about the latest research findings in order to help you or your family member manage cognitive, employment, and health issues related to schizophrenia and its treatment.

Smoking cessation. Roughly 75% percent of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia smoke cigarettes. Learn about exciting new advances in treatments for smoking cessation and longer term relapse prevention.

Genetics. Researchers are actively studying the relationship between genetics and schizophrenia. Learn about advancements in identifying genes that play a role in schizophrenia, understanding the role of these genes, and using our understanding of genetics to match individuals to particular treatments.

Cognitive function. Cognitive function is often compromised in individuals with schizophrenia, as a result of both the medications used to treat the illness, and the illness itself. Learn about exciting developments in three areas of cognitive preservation and enhancement: vitamin supplements, treatments that hold potential for preventing brain cell loss in first episode psychosis, and promising results of computer-based cognitive remediation programs.

Schizophrenia in the workplace. Getting back to work is an enormous challenge for individuals who have schizophrenia. Learn about new, evidence-based techniques for managing illness in the workplace, developing marketable work skills, sustaining work, and building a meaningful career path.

A special feature of this program is a guest panel comprised of individuals in recovery from schizophrenia. We are indebted to these individuals for sharing their stories publicly and contributing their time to help others recovering from schizophrenia.

We hope this program helps you and your family in the journey toward wellness.

Donald C. Goff, MD
Director, Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program
Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry

Date & Location:

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Richard B. Simches Research Center
185 Cambridge Street, Charles River Plaza, Boston, MA

Program Agenda
9:15 - 10 amCheck-in
10:00 amIntroduction and Welcome
Donald C. Goff, MD
George Handran, Esq., Co-Trustee,
Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation
10:15 amEffective Therapies for Smoking Cessation and
Prevention of Relapse

A. Eden Evins, MD, MPH
10:45 amQ & A
11:00 amGenetics Update
Joshua L. Roffman, MD
11:30 amQ & A
11:45 amLunch
12:45 pmConsumer Panel
1:30 pmQ & A
1:45 pmPreserving and Enhancing Cognitive Function
Donald C. Goff, MD
2:15 pmQ & A
2:30 pmRealizing the Vision of Returning to the Workplace
Corinne Cather, PhD
3:00 pmQ & A
3:15 pmConclusion

Faculty

Donald C. Goff, MD
Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Director, Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program,
Massachusetts General Hospital

A. Eden Evins, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Director, Center for Addiction Medicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital

Joshua L. Roffman, MD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Assistant in Psychiatry, Schizophrenia Clinical and Research Program,
Massachusetts General Hospital

Corinne Cather, PhD
Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Director, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program of the Schizophrenia
Clinical and Research Program,
Massachusetts General Hospital

Directions and Parking

Directions

MBTA Red Line (to Charles/MGH), Green Line (to Government Center) or Orange Line (to North Station).

Printable public transportation and driving directions (pdf)

Parking

Free parking will be available, with validation, in the Mass General Hospital parking lots.

Refreshments
Morning coffee and tea, as well as complimentary lunch will be served.

Cost
This program is FREE and open to the public.

Questions?
Email educationprogram@partners.org or call 617-724-8318

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