Hope for HH is co-sponsoring the 4th International Symposium on Hypothalamic Hamartomas – a professional symposium for HH investigators, clinicians and researchers – in Washington DC Sept. 12-14. The Symposium aims to identify gaps in understanding and opportunities for future HH research studies and collaborations to improve diagnosis, treatment and care of both the seizures as well as the other endocrinological and neuropsychological symptoms.
In this blog series, we will introduce you to several internationally recognized clinicians and researchers who are thought leaders both inside and outside of HH and who will serve as facilitators, presenters and discussants at the Symposium. Highlights of the Symposium will also be available to the HH patient and professional community following the meeting.
Meet Dr. Holan Liang
Please meet Dr. Holan Liang, MA MB BChir MRCPsych, who is consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist working at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in the United Kingdom and Honorary Senior Lecturer at University College London (UCL).
My specialty is in neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. I have previously been Clinical Research Fellow at The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London funded by The Tuberous Sclerosis Association for research into neurodevelopmental disorders in Tuberous Sclerosis (TS).
Dr. Liang will be presenting during the 2nd Session titled “HH Psychiatric Disorders and Treatment” on the topic of HH Anatomy & Behavior. We are especially excited to have up and coming investigators take an interest in HH and epilepsy and carry the research torch forward.
What is your specialty training and background?
My specialty is in neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. I have previously been Clinical Research Fellow at The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London funded by The Tuberous Sclerosis Association for research into neurodevelopmental disorders in Tuberous Sclerosis (TS).
How did you become interested in HH research and care? What are your contributions to the HH field of research and care?
I am a newcomer to the field of HH. I became interested in HH research when I started at Great Ormond Street Hospital last year which is a centre which sees cases of this rare disorder. In particular, the neurodevelopmental outcomes showed parallels with work in the field of TS. Using data collected by colleagues at Great Ormond Street Hospital, I co-authored a paper ‘The neuropsychiatric profiles of children and adolescents with hypothalamic hamartoma; a systematic review and case series’ which has recently been accepted to the Journal ‘Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology’. I hope that this will be the starting point for better awareness of mental health problems in HH and that in the future we can better delineate the neuropsychiatric profiles of children with HH and work towards optimal treatment.
The Symposium is important because
The Symposium is important to raise awareness and profile of a very rare condition and to gather professionals from different countries and disciplines to concentrate knowledge and work collaboratively. Ultimately, this will mean better understanding of the condition and treatments which will hopefully improve outcomes for patients and caregivers. As a psychiatrist, I am honoured to be involved as so often the psychological and psychiatric aspects of physical conditions are forgotten and yet contribute immensely to the day to day struggles of patients and their families.
Outside of work passions
My passions outside of work mainly involve writing and raising my family which has proved rather interesting being a child psychiatrist. The two are combined in a parenting book which I authored last year called ‘Inside Out Parenting’ (Bluebird Books) which combines parenting advice with funny stories about my own triumphs and failures in parenting.
Call to Action
Like to share your feedback about the Symposium, speaker or topic, please send your comments to info@hopeforhh.org.
Would you like to support the Symposium and research with a donation to Hope for HH? Click here to Donate.
