ROYAL COUPLE AT THE OPENING OF THE XIII NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE SERBIAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION

Belgrade, 19 September 2008 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine attended this evening the opening of the XIII National congress of the Serbian Psychiatric Association which was held at the Sava Centre. The Congress, Psychiatry for the person and social transition, is WPA Co-sponsored and will be held from 19-22 October.

As a part of the official ceremony keynote speeches were delivered by: Prof. Dr. Miroslava Jasovic-Gasic, President of the Serbian Psychiatric Association. Prof. Dr. Dusica Lecic Tosevski, WPA Zonal Representative for Central Europe, Dr. Neda Karanov, Secratry of the Ministry of Health, HRH Crown Prince Alexander, Prof. Juan E. Mezzich, Prof. George N. Christodoulou, President of Association of Eastern Europe and Balkans (PAEEB), Prof. Dr Norman Sartorius, Chairman of CENP Scientific Committee. The opening of the Congress was also attended by Prof. Dr. Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic, Speaker of the House.

The Crown Prince pointed out in his speech: “I am very glad that a large number of participants from Southeastern and Central European countries also view this congress as an important event. This congress is an excellent opportunity to discuss the latest results and to exchange experience. Psychiatry has a long tradition in Serbia. Our doctors have experience with problems caused by stress and post traumatic disorders. The participation of international experts will give the opportunity for our professional’s to network and develop cooperation with foreign colleagues and international institutions”.

This Congress will bring together psychiatrists and mental health professionals from the region, but also from other parts of Europe and the rest of the world, to share experiences in this growing and noble field. The title of the congress, Psychiatry for the person and social transition will, hopefully, give chance to discuss many issues related to the renewal of humanistic and individualized approach to the persons having problems with mental health in an interaction with them, as well as with their families and society as the whole.

During the congress there will be the First Zonal School for Young Psychiatrists, as part of the WPA Institutional program for Young psychiatrists. It will be a special occasion for young psychiatrists from Central Europe to get together and exchange their experiences and knowledge.