Master Classes
Boris Birmaher
Endowed Chair in Early Onset Bipolar Disease and
Professor of Psychiatry University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine

The Master Classes are conducted by Prof. Birmaher, University of Pittsburgh, and School of Medicine. He serves as the Co-Director of the Psychiatry Research Pathway program and the Director of the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Spectrum Services.   Prof. Birmaher is a leader in the study and treatment of pediatric mood and anxiety disorders. In addition, his research has concentrated in describing the predictors, risk factors, course and treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder. Throughout his career, he has served as the Principal, Co-Principal or co-investigator for over 25 federally-sponsored research grants and projects.

 Master Class 1

Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Disorders in Children

3 September: 13:00 – 15:00

Boris Birmaher

 Most mood disorders onset before age 21, affect the psychosocial development of the youth and increase the risk for suicidality, behavior problems, and substance abuse; thus, the need for early identification and treatment of these disorders. However, the diagnosis of these disorders in youth, particularly in children, may be difficult because of cognitive immaturity, problems verbalizing emotions, and the presence of comorbid disorders (e.g., ADHD and behavior disorders) which can obscure the mood symptoms.

This presentation will review the challenges associated with diagnosing mood disorders in youth, the differential diagnoses, and state-of-the-art treatments. Cases will be presented. Also, the participants are welcome to present their own difficulty to diagnose and treat cases.

 Master Class 2

Diagnosis and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Children

4 September: 08:30 – 10:30

Boris Birmaher

 Anxiety disorders are among the most common disorders in children and adolescents. These disorders usually appear early in life and are manifested by several emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms that significantly affect the psychosocial development of the child. The anxiety symptoms are affected by the age of the child, cultural and ethnical factors, presence of other disorders, and other environmental factors. These factors can obscure the presence of significant anxiety symptoms. This is important because if the anxiety disorders are not identified and treated in time, they can increase the risk of depression, behavior problems and substance abuse. Also, since anxiety disorders are manifested with many somatic symptoms, these children sometimes receive unnecessary medical treatments. This presentation will review the clinical manifestations, differential diagnoses, assessment, and treatment of anxiety disorders in children.