In current times of a global public health crisis, an urgent reflection on mental health and healthcare is and will remain a key element in coping with emergency situations and ensuring the overall wellbeing of populations across the globe. With these challenges in mind and, now more than ever, the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) is putting major efforts to contribute to reducing everyone’s risk of developing mental health problems.

As from today until 7 July, the 28th European Congress of Psychiatry welcomes expert clinicians, researchers, and representatives of stakeholder organisations in the field of psychiatry and mental health, who are joining each other online to discuss relevant research updates, debate topics of importance, and exchange ideas for improving mental health care in Europe.

This year’s Congress, held in a fully virtual format for the first time ever, also includes events, symposia and courses on the topic of Covid-19 and its impact on mental health and healthcare settings. The global, virtual event is accessible through a dedicated online event platform.

The press is cordially invited to attend the 28th European Congress of Psychiatry and to take note of the key takeaways of the event.

Launched under the motto “The Shared Heritage of European Psychiatry”, the 2020 EPA Congress welcomes more than 2,500 registered participants from all over the world. The attendees have access to a wide variety of content, including over 100 Courses, Symposia, and Workshops, along with several other interactive online activities promoting exchange through the virtual format.

The Congress opening is preceded by the 6th EPA Forum, which sees the exceptional participation of EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides. The EU Commissioner stresses the importance of coping with the consequences of COVID-19 on mental health in a collaborative manner. "Mental Health is an issue that historically has not received the attention it deserves at EU level, but one of the few positives who come out of this pandemic is an awareness that this needs to change. There is no doubt, COVID-19 has changed the world as we knew it and it has taken a particular heavy toll on the most vulnerable population groups, the frails and the elderly, those with pre-existing mental and physical conditions and those for whom staying safe at home expose them to greater risk or abuse", Commissioner says in her opening speech. “Covid-19 has reminded us how essential it is to work across disciplines, policies and professions", she concludes.

Philip Gorwood, President of the EPA, believes that this year’s Congress is a unique opportunity for mental health professionals. “The EPA 2020 will serve as a place of learning where we can all share the latest models, approaches, and research, representing for all participants a treasured personal and professional experience”, he said. “Many challenges exist in our congress linked to the large number of aspects of mental health care, but COVID-19 has been a new and difficult issue recently. I think we succeeded in transforming a problem into a first step for a better future, with new modalities of communication and the possibility to contact an unlimited number of clinicians and researchers”.

Useful resources:

EPA: https://www.europsy.net/

EPA 2020 Congress: https://epa-congress.org/

Practical information for the media:

Please contact the EPA congress organisers: reg_epa20@kenes.com