Welcome to the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences. 2012 was a landmark year of transition and growth for our department, and we expect to continue our success throughout 2013. We contributed to the development of School of Medicine Strategic Plan which strongly reflects the Department of Psychiatry Strategic Plan. Our research base has grown bigger with students from 6th year joining hands with the MMeds to undertake research in Mental Health. We have been joined by talented and internationally renowned researchers, and consultants and we continue to generate new knowledge for the treatment of psychiatric and behavioural disorders. Our residency program continues to build up, and it shall soon develop dedicated specialist tracks to make this one of the most unique training experiences anywhere.
Mission
This is an exciting time for psychiatry: advances in science and medicine are finally dissolving artificial distinctions between mind and brain. Our mission is to harness this evolving knowledge to build a new approach to psychiatry that integrates biological and psychological approaches.
Our Department carries out this mission through research, education, clinical care, and community service. We seek to better understand the causes of mental illness and to develop improved treatments and preventive measures. These activities encompass:
- Basic and clinical neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychology and all forms of effective psychotherapies
- Sociocultural contributions to mental function
Vision
The new vision for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at University of Zambia, School of Medicine places importance on advancing science and integrating this foremost mission with those of:
- Clinical innovation
- Educational excellence
- Community engagement & commitment
- Professionalism & leadership development
This approach, in my view, will allow us to change future understanding and practices in our fields of science, the health professions, and society at large. It is an approach that stretches the traditional boundaries of an academic department and acknowledges the interdependent nature of the missions of School of Medicine with which we are entrusted. For us, the vision of the School of Medicine affirms the diverse activities, past successes, and distinct career paths of our multidisciplinary faculty. It establishes a mindset that will help draw our people together to collaborate and combine efforts that are necessary in moving forward this full academic portfolio. Finally, it is a vision that provides an authentic rationale for growth in a number of critical areas arising in fields from basic science to public policy.
Our educational programs give medical students, residents, and fellows, as well as clinical psychology students the opportunity to participate in patient care in an array of settings that reflects all the economic, racial, and ethnic diversity of our country, as well as the full range of psychiatric diagnoses.
The Department of Psychiatry provides a comprehensive integrated multi-disciplinary service in the management of patients with psychological and psychiatric disorders.
Backed by a multi-disciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers the department offers a full range of specialty services to meet the individual needs of our patients.
Services Offered
The Department of Psychiatry provides the following subspecialty services:
Neuropsychiatry - Provides evaluation and treatment for patients with organic brain lesions with psychiatric or psychological consequences
Psychotherapy- Provides psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy) and hypnotherapy for patients with psychological or psychiatric disorders.
Drug and Alcohol-Out-patient and in-patient detoxification for all drug dependences and misuse, followed by rehabilitation counseling
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Diagnosing and managing common Mental Health problem in children and adolescents. We also recommend children for special school placements.
General Adult Psychiatry- Provides evaluation and treatment for patients with common mental health problem
Consultation Liaison Psychiatry - Provide consultation liaison services to all the in-patient and out-patient referrals
Postgraduate Programmes in the Department
