HKCPMA

Demographic and rapid social changes in modern societies have brought about rising rates of a cluster of

 

psychological disorders (for example: mood disorders, psychosomatic illnesses, substance abuse, teenage

 

suicide etc.) suffered by people of all ages and from all walks of life.

 

According to studies on mental health, depression affects 2% - 10 % of the population at any point in time.

 

Depression is also predicted to become the world's second most incapacitating disease by 2020.

 

It is anticipated that the number of patients with psychological problems in Hong Kong will continue to increase and comprise

 

an even greater proportion of those seeking health services.

   

Overseas experiences have shown that to combat the problem and meet the growing demand of patients for

 

psychological treatments, it is important to solicit help and forge cooperation among different disciplines

 

(psychiatrists, psychologists, family doctors, psychiatric social workers, counselors, nurses, therapists) such

 

that timely and effective care and treatment can be rendered for patients.

   

As early as 2002, the Family Medicine Unit and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong

 

joint hands to organize a Postgraduate Diploma course in Community Psychological Medicine targeted

 

at primary care doctors.

 

The aim of the Course is to upgrade primary care doctors  knowledge and skills in the care of patients with psychological

 

problems.

 

Since year 2003, the Course continues to attract a considerable number of practicing doctors from the field to receive training

 

in psychological medicine.