Welcome letters

Juan E. Mezzich Chairperson of the Conference. Dear Colleagues and Friends, I have the genuine pleasure of inviting you warmly to join us to celebrate on June 19-21, 2008 in legendary and exciting Granada a Thematic Conference of the World Psychiatric Association. In response to recent findings and developments in clinical care and public health we will examine pointedly the challenges posed by depression and other frequent mental disorders in primary care. Such complex clinical presentations in diverse settings require coordinated approaches. We will consequently identify and discuss better ways to work together towards the integration of health services. As suggested by recent international efforts, this integration can often be enhanced when built around and at the service of the person who consults. Granada has a privileged history in health developments, illustrated by the Maristan Network, and in a whole range of human endeavors, not least in the letters and the arts. Therefore, it shall offer a propitious setting for highly productive scientific discussions, cultural explorations, and interpersonal exchanges that will render the Conference an unforgettable experience. Looking forward to greeting you personally in Granada this coming June. Cordially yours, Professor Juan E. Mezzich President of the Thematic Conference and of the World Psychiatric Association __________________________________ Francisco Torres - González Chairperson of the Organizing Committee. Dear Colleagues: We are cordially inviting you to Granada to the WPA Thematic Conference on Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders in Primary Care. Granada is a city of dreams, a mythical, romantic place and one of the most visited cities in Europe. Not only that; it is also a city of culture and learning which makes it the perfect host for important congresses. Its long history of organising research, cooperation and international meetings means that Granada is a leader in the field of Mental Health. In 1989, under the auspices of the Spanish Association of Neuropsychiatry, the city was the setting for a regional symposium of the World Association of Psychiatry on new developments in community psychiatry. Ten years later, in 1999, the MARISTÁN Network, the Collaborating Centre of the WHO in Andalusia and the Andalusian Foundation for the Social Integration of the Mentally Ill organised a WPA thematic conference on the community treatment of people with psychotic disorders. Now in its third decade of research activity, the Andalusian Group for Research in Mental Health, in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine, and co-sponsored by WONCA-Europe, is organizing a further WPA thematic conference from the 18th to 21st of June 2008. This meeting will focus on depression and related disorders in Primary Care. It is worldwide known that depression and other common mental disorders are some of the most disabling and frequent health conditions. This TC will facilitate lively discussion and debate on these topics and such a gathering of professionals of Mental Health and Primary Health Level will be a most relevant issue of the Conference. Most relevant symposia and outstanding lectures will be offered, as well as multiple parallel sessions and intensive workshops. We look forward to a very successful Conference and to meeting you in Granada in June 2008.   Prof. Francisco Torres - González Andalusian Group for Research in Mental Health (GAISAM). University of Granada. President of the Organizing Committee __________________________________ Michael King Chairperson of the Scientific Committee. On behalf of the Scientific Committee I warmly invite you to a joint congress between WONCA, the world organisation of family doctors, and the World Psychiatric Association, whose theme is Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders in Primary Care. This conference, which will take place in Granada from 18 to 21st June 2008, will address the recognition and treatment of mental disorders in family practice and the ways in which primary and secondary care professionals can best provide integrated mental health care for their patients and their families. Primary care professionals are at the front line in dealing with the common mental disorders, anxiety and depression, as well as sharing with psychiatric professionals in the management of people with psychotic illness. Thus research and practice in primary care mental health is of great significance for world health. This conference will be of considerable interest to mental health and primary care professionals, epidemiologists and others in the field of public health. It will provide an exciting opportunity for inter-disciplinary exchange of ideas on clinical practice and research. We plan to stimulate debate about the interface between primary and secondary care mental health and present cutting edge research in this area. I look forward to seeing you in Granada in 2008!   Michael King Chairperson of the Scientific Committee