Sat. May 25, 2024 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Room 3 (Hall D7)

Chair: Joseph Zohar (National Post-Trauma Center, Research Foundation by the Sheba Medical Center, Israel), Lakshmi Yatham (University of British Columbia)

Rationale for World Guidelines – Lakshmi (15 + 5 Q&A min)
Presenting the World Bipolar Guidelines – Pierre Blier (15 + 5 Q&A min)
New Directions in Guidelines - Zohar (10 min)
Discussion and Summary - All (10 min)

Abstract:
Current guidelines in psychiatry often reflect national or continental perspectives, tailored to available services, cultural nuances, and infrastructural capacities. These guidelines typically adopt a hierarchical approach to intervention levels. In 2023, a landmark collaboration was forged between three major intercontinental psychiatric associations— The International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP), The World Psychiatric Association (WPA), and World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP)—to address these challenges.
This symposium aims to showcase the milestones of this unprecedented collaboration and present the current status of its flagship initiative. Dr. Lakshmi will elucidate the rationale for developing intercontinental guidelines, drawing from extensive experience in guideline development.
The focus will initially be on updating the existing CINP guideline on bipolar disorder and adapting it to a novel framework. Prof. Blier, a taskforce member, will provide insights into the ongoing development of the global bipolar disorder guideline.
Emphasizing the vision of inclusivity, the guideline aims to incorporate service availability, cultural considerations, and economic factors, rendering it sensitive to local contexts. For instance, adaptations will vary based on whether the guideline is intended for implementation in Africa or North America.
Another distinguishing feature of this guideline is its patient-focus approach. Departing from traditional decision trees, the guideline will prioritize understanding the patient's vignette. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and search algorithms, tailored recommendations will be generated based on the patient's profile and the guideline's location of implementation.
The symposium will facilitate an extensive Q&A session, fostering an open dialogue to propel this pioneering initiative forward.