The Psychiatric Association of Turkey (PAT)
The Psychiatric Association of Turkey (PAT) is the organization of specialists
and residents of adult psychiatry in Turkey. Due to its constitutional commitments
the PAT aims to provide and promote scientific development of psychiatry in accordance
with ethical standards in clinical practice and research. The PAT also aims to improve
psychiatric training, patient-rights and treatment standards and to develop and
follow up mental health policies and implementations in Turkey.
PAT was instituted as monospecialist association in 1995 by four former psychiatric
societies some of which dated back to 1914 (Turkish Neuropsychiatric Society, Turkish
Society for Mental and Neurological Health, Society for Specialists and Trainees
in Psychiatry, Izmir Psychiatric Society).
Since its foundation, PAT has broadened into 21 Branches throughout the country
and more than 95 % of the psychiatrists in Turkey have become members of the Association.
The PAT holds three nationwide meetings every year: The National Congress of Psychiatry,
Anatolian Psychiatry Days and Spring Symposia (Annual Meeting of the PAT).
Psychiatric Board of Turkey is an autonomous organ of the PAT. Research and training activities are conducted by Sections that cover all the areas of psychiatry. The PAT publishes the books prepared by Sections in order to contribute to the professional development of its members. Ethical Codes of Psychiatry are accepted in the General Assembly of the PAT in 2002. The PAT is a member of the World Psychiatric Association and an associate member of the UEMS Section of Psychiatry.
PAT STRUCTURE
The General Assembly of PAT is composed of the delegates of the Branches.
The General Assembly meets every two years and elects the Executive Committee for
two years.
The Executive Committee meets at least once every month and governs PAT
in all its aspects.
The Branches operate with the Local Executive Committee of their
own, carrying responsibility of both the regional activities and the coordination
with the Executive Committee. There are 21 Branches covering all the geographical
regions across the country.
The Coordination Committee is composed of the EC members and
the Representatives of the Branches. The Coordination Committe meets two times a year and is the
governing body of the PAT.
The Discipline Committee is elected in the General Assembly
and is responsible for dealing with the cases of abuse of psychiatry or reviewing
the ethical issues raised either by the members or the clients.
Scientific Sections operate to build the scientific activities
of PAT and conduct training as well as research-oriented projects. They produce
Guidelines for Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders; organize scientific meetings
and panels in the National Congresses and Spring Symposia and initiate collaborative
research and scientific projects across centers and with related international organizations.
Psychiatry Board is an autonomous Council of the PAT, responsible
for establishing and following the application of the core curriculum adjusted to
universal and cultural standards, and also for making the board examinations.
PUBLICATIONS
Bulletin of PAT is being published three times a year and is sent
free of charge to all members as well as the affiliated organizations and corporate
supporters. All issues are contained in the Website.
Books:
Ethical Codes of Psychiatry
Treatment Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder
Textbook of Anxiety Disorders
Treatment Guidelines for Anxiety Disorders
Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Treatment Guidelines for Psychotic Disorders
Treatment Guidelines for Depression
Practical Guide for Forensic Psychiatry
Essential Psychopharmacology
Handbook of Psychiatric Association of Turkey
Organizational Memory of Psychiatry in Turkey
Residency Training in Psychiatry. Competence and Accreditation in Training
Probation Addiction Programme
PAT ON THE WEB
The Website address of PAT is www.psikiyatri.org.tr News concerning the profession,
announcements of the association, announcements of congresses and meetings are published
in the website. In addition there are pages for the Branches and the Scientific
Sections and links to other professional associations. There is ongoing project
to improve and develop the functions of the website in the service of enhanced communication
among the individual members and the Branches. The language of the website is Turkish.
There is a general introductory page in English.
PAT INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMS
1) Scientific Meeting Support Program for Residents and Trainees
2) Basic Course of Psychopharmacology
3) Task Forces on “Principles of Psychotropic Prescriptions”, “The Valuation
of Psychiatric Services” and “The Review and Critics of the Alternative Approaches
in the Field of Mental Health”
4) The PAT Awards: Research Awards and Research Project awards.
SECTIONS
52 Sections consist of 12 sections of psychiatric disorders, 9 sections
of treatments, 9 sections of subspecialties and 22 sections of various other areas
of interest. The sections operate autonomously. The Executive Committee finances
them. The Scientific Sections, besides their collaborative research activities,
aim to prepare the Treatment Guidelines Book Series of the PAT. Mood Disorders Scientific
Section is currently working on a National Register and Follow-up Project (SKIP-TURK).
PSYCHIATRIC ETHICS
The Scientific Section for Human Rights and Psychiatric Ethics has prepared a
booklet entitled Ethical Codes of Psychiatry and it was accepted in June 2002. The
Discipline Committee investigates and concludes the applications on ethical issues
and cases of conflicts.
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