The meaning of illness- conference in November

The Meaning of Illness: psychological and social aspects of illness in children and young people

Physical illness and physical symptoms are common in children and young people. Up to 15% have long term physical conditions and approximately 10% experience physical symptoms which cannot be accounted for by physical illness. However there is significant overlap, many children with long term conditions experience symptoms (pain, tiredness etc) which cannot be fully explained by their condition.

Psychological and social understanding of the meaning of illness and physical symptoms is central to providing effective interventions for children and young people. The Meaning of Illness, is a collaboration between the Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health and the European Association of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics. The international conference committee have brought together a distinguished group of clinicians and academics to explore: the meaning of illness, psychological and social aspects of long term conditions, medically unexplained symptoms and factititous induced illness. The headline plenary presentations on childhood long term conditions and medically unexplained symptoms will be followed by workshop presentations. We would encourage early registration for this important conference and seek expressions of interest from clinicians and researchers who are interested in presenting workshops.