Psychiatric Research Institute

Northwest Arkansas Schizophrenia Conference Examines Complex Issues Surrounding Mental Illness

By David Wise

Hundreds of health care professionals, caregivers and family members of people with schizophrenia gathered at the Fayetteville Town Center on Jan. 30 to learn about the symptoms, misconceptions and treatment of the illness, as well as the experiences of the nearly 3 million American adults with schizophrenia.

The conference, hosted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Psychiatric Research Institute, was the first of its kind in Northwest Arkansas and was dedicated to raising awareness about schizophrenia and the issues that accompany the mental illness.

Ryan Cork, MSHA, vice chancellor of the Northwest Arkansas Region, welcomed attendees to the conference.

“The Northwest Arkansas Schizophrenia Conference is a significant step forward for our region,” Cork said. “By bringing together leading experts, health care professionals and families, this event has the potential to transform how we address mental health challenges locally. It reinforces our commitment to building a stronger, more informed community and ensuring that Northwest Arkansas remains a leader in advancing mental health care and support.”

Northwest Arkansas Schizophrenia Conference Examines Complex Issues Surrounding Mental Illness

Schizophrenia Conference Offers Education, Optimism

By Tim Taylor

Oct. 3, 2024 | The more than 250 people who attended the Arkansas Schizophrenia Conference, hosted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Psychiatric Research Institute, left the Sept. 27 event with information about the latest treatment approaches and promising findings.

With an audience of clinicians, therapists and support staff as well as law enforcement officials and family members of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, the event, held at the City Center in Little Rock, offered insight into a mental disorder that’s often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, welcomed attendees to the conference, while Laura Dunn, M.D., director of the Psychiatric Research Institute and chair of the Department of Psychiatry, recognized the conference participants and organizers.

Schizophrenia Conference Offers Education, Optimism