The unidisease concept is anchored in the fact that similar family relationship patterns underlie the development of most clinical symptoms and similar physiological processes often underlie mental and somatic symptoms as well.

10:05

The Other Brain—New Discoveries of the Involvement of Glia in Brain Function and Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders

R. Douglas Fields, PhD

New research shows the active role of glia in information processing, neurological disease, and psychiatric illness.

10:55

Coffee

11:30

Questions & Panel Discussion

12:30

Lunch Break

2:00

Anatomy of a Symptom

Kathleen B. Kerr, MSN, MA

An in depth case study using Bowen theory shows the family process that can lead to the development of a terminal cancer. Such a death is a manifestation of chronic stress related to an inability to maintain a self in important relationships.

2:50

Stress & Illness: Four Parts of the Stress Response

Esther Sternberg, MD

The four parts of the stress response are the stressful event, the perception of the event, the brain’s physiological response, and its effect on the body. Chronic stress can exacerbate or lead to a variety illnesses.

3:40

Break

4:00

Questions & Panel Discussion

5:00

Adjournment

5:15

Reception

SUNDAY • APRIL 10, 2011

9:00

Inflammation, Sanitation and Consternation: Loss of Contact with Co-Evolved, Tolerogenic MicroOrganisms and the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Major Depression

Charles L. Raison, MD

Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder. Loss of exposure to tolerogenic microorganisms may accentuate the inflammation.

9:50

Videotaped Interview with the “H” Family

Mr. H was diagnosed to have a serious brain cancer 18 months before this interview. His treatment response has been excellent, and he credits his management of stress as a significant factor in that response.

10:50

Coffee

11:20

Questions & Panel Discussion

12:20

Lunch Break

1:45

Presentation of the Caskie Research Award

Anne S. McKnight, Michael E. Kerr & Ruth Riley Sagar

2:00

From Acute Stress to Chronic Stress to Chronic Diseases: Connecting the Dots

Michael D. Lumpkin, PhD

By better elucidating the factors that govern the top of the common disease cascade, healthier and more comprehensive avenues for managing chronic illnesses will become apparent.

2:50

Variation in Symptom Remission Examined through Clinical Applications of Bowen Theory

Margaret Otto, LSCSW

That the natural forces of symptom remission vary along the scale of differentiation—with certain commonalities and certain differences— will be explored using clinical examples.

3:40

Break

4:00

Questions & Panel Discussion

5:00

Adjournment