Current Trends in Psychopharmacology and Euthanasia

On Friday 14 March 14, 120 psychiatrists gathered in Mechelen for the annual spring conference of the Flemish Association of Psychiatry, which this year was devoted to psychopharmaceuticals in the morning and euthanasia in the afternoon.

After a welcome by Professor Geert Dom, who also warmly invited everyone to the upcoming EPA congress early April, Professor Istvan Bitter lectured on the current treatment guidelines for schizophrenia. At the same time, he advocated real world data, which happens to be the theme of the aforementioned EPA congress.

Next, dr. Ellen Van Leeuwen combined insights from quantitative and qualitative research in her lecture on the possibilities of tapering antidepressants. The morning program concluded with a lecture by Professor Cleo Crunelle on the dual diagnosis of addiction and ADHD. No superfluous luxury, since as many as 20-25% of adult patients with addiction meet the criteria of ADHD. Attendees were sent into the afternoon break with some concrete treatment guidelines.

The afternoon program on euthanasia due to mental suffering was introduced by moderator and president of the Flemish Association of Psychiatry Dr. Kirsten Catthoor with a warm welcoming of Professor Meryem Shouler-Ocak. The attendees were given an overview of the EPA’s ethical guidelines. The room was then energized by Professor Damiaan Denys who explained the Dutch situation, and, empowered by numerical and philosophical foundations, questioned several issues. Professor Joris Vandenberghe, always thoughtfully critical, briefly cited the Flemish Association of Psychiatry’s guidelines and made a plea for humane care, founded by inspiring examples from the work floor. In conclusion, he urged the Flemish Association of Psychiatry to continuously keep the subject high on the agenda in the upcoming years because the euthanasia debate can quickly polarize and we have to keep a finger on the pulse of the evolving scientific and societal consensus.