ANNUAL BRANCH REPORT (presented to the AGM 2007)
by Dr Josie Brown, Chair, Southern Branch

Our Branch Annual Research Meeting in October 2006 took as its theme ADHD, and was as well attended this year as in the past. The day featured some very interesting presentations on the effects of anxiety in children, how children might develop anxiety, their attributions and the work being done on the neuropsychology of hyperactivity, in particular the importance of deficits in executive functioning delay aversion and timing in children with ADHD. The audience learned of the work being done as part of the IMAGE research project, an international study on the genetics of hyperactivity, and enjoyed animated discussion, comparing the increasing popularity of complementary medicine with the scarcity of random controlled trials. There was particular concern that some families using omega oil and other supplements to treat ADHD, were not always correctly informed on potential effects, nor made aware of the scant evidence base on efficacy. The day's key lecture, delivered by Professor Jim Stevenson, looked at the importance of the gene-environment interaction, the importance of stress in pregnancy, stress in asthma and the environment in school and dyslexia. All in all, the day gave an interesting insight into current research and stimulated very good discussions.

In December 2006 we held our second full day event on "What can we do with Acting Out Dangerous Adolescents within CAMHS?" This day attracted an interdisciplinary audience, eager to hear the views of the experts and learn of interventions. Dr Suyog Dhakras set the scene by looking at violence in adolescents from a developmental perspective, identifying patterns, risk assessment principles and useful instruments. Professor Tantam focused on Aspergers syndrome (both typical and atypical), co-morbidity and forensic issues, and this presentation was complemented by Dr Bigg who looked at frameworks for assessment and intervention with high-risk young people. Dr Barrie Brown gave an interesting overview of Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care (an American parenting programme) and its successful implementation in England. Although Professor Sue Bailey had been unable to join us, her presentation on assessment in the residential setting was made available to delegates and provided the basis for a very good discussion. This very successful day concluded with commentary and viewpoints by Dr Ciaran Kelly from the Behaviour Resource Service in Southampton and Sue Wade from the Youth Offending Team in Wessex.

In March 2007 we held an afternoon Festschrift in Honour of Dr Margaret Thompson's retirement. Her commitment over the years as Branch Chair was an inspiration to us all and much of the success of the branch's events and its growing membership pays tribute to her active leadership and hard work. The day was very well attended by professionals and branch members from around the region and the excellent line-up of speakers - Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke, Dr Stephen Scott, Professor Elena Garralda and Professor Jim Stevenson - ensured a great day for all. An informal dinner after the conference gave friends and colleagues the opportunity to re-live Margaret's academic and clinical achievements and to thank her for her work over many years. Her contributions will be very much missed, yet we wish her the very best and look forward to keeping in touch and welcoming her to future events.

Finally, as I take over as Chair, I would like to thank my fellow committee members for all they do to make the programme of events relevant and enjoyable, and also my thanks to our admin staff who work ceaselessly to ensure the conferences go smoothly and successfully.
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