The Psychology department welcomed Dr Rachel Daly, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Dr Ajay Bhatnagar, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer-Kings College, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director and Mr Georgios Koukidis, Psychologist for complex care at HMP Belmarsh for a guest lecture to Sixth Form pupils.
Dr Bhatnagar introduced the lecture with his philosophical insights into the role of psychiatry and experiences of growing up in India, recounting his earliest encounters as a clinician. The talk highlighted the issues of incidence, labelling and cultural relativism in how symptoms manifest. Dr Rachel Daly and Mr Georgios Koukidis, delivered an enriching talk focused on schizophrenia and attachment theory. Forensic psychiatrists and psychologists are those who work in the field with those who have had contact with the Criminal Justice System and have psychiatric and psychological complications or a combination of both. Dr Daly shared her expertise of the current psychiatric classificatory systems and how a valid diagnosis of schizophrenia is made. An insight into the sub-groups of schizophrenia, aetiology, issues with comorbidity and drug treatments were considered.
George Koukidis explored the nature of psychosis in relation to trauma and Attachment Theory. Pupils were invited to examine the nature of schemas in the ‘Model of Self Theory’ and consider how early experiences shape views of self. George advocated a holistic approach to the treatment of psychosis including medication, psychotherapy, family therapy and social engagement. His talk emphasised third wave CBT approaches which focus on developing a healthier relationship with predicament, as opposed to symptomatic reduction. Discussion over therapeutic alliance and the relational aspect of psychological interventions and their primacy in challenging content and process of thinking in patients with psychosis was especially poignant .
Thank you to our guest speakers to giving our students an invaluable understanding of how psychiatry relies on multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best possible outcome for patients.
