Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the Far East: Findings from Multi-National Surveys

Information from the abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The Far East is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and mass trauma, underscoring the critical need for child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) equipped to deliver disaster mental health care. To understand regional capacity and preparedness, we conducted the third wave of a 12-year longitudinal survey tracking CAP postgraduate training systems and workforce trends in the Far East. RECENT FINDINGS: In 2024, representatives from 16 of 17 countries and functionally self-governing areas completed a standardized online questionnaire. Data regarding CAP training structures, specialty recognition, and workforce size were descriptively compared with previous survey waves (2012 and 2017). The CAP workforce has steadily increased, with new specialists emerging in Cambodia, Mongolia, and Myanmar. By 2024, 75% (12/16) of regions offered postgraduate CAP training-up from 59% in 2017-and recognition of CAP as a distinct specialty increased to 75%. Curricula have diversified, frequently integrating school consultation (83%) and forensic psychiatry (58%). However, national guidelines, board certification (44%), and institutional support remain highly uneven across the region. While CAP training in the Far East has significantly expanded, persistent workforce disparities limit the region's ability to deploy skilled specialists during humanitarian emergencies. Strengthening CAP training systems is an essential public health measure to fortify regional resilience and address child and family disaster psychiatry needs.

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Related topics: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Migration, Health and Trauma