A Pengam-born professor who has received a £32,000 prize for psychiatric research at a ceremony in New York has warned a lack of funding could hinder research into adolescent mental disorders.
Cardiff University professor Anita Thapar has spent two decades researching child and adolescent psychiatry and said the battle to combat childhood disorders has been successful but is far from over.
The coveted Ruane Prize recognises “an outstanding scientist carrying out research on the causes, pathophysiology, treatment, or prevention of severe child mental illness”.
Professor Thapar’s research focuses on disorders in children, such as ADHD and depression, and the award ceremony seeks to build public understanding of the importance of research in these areas.
Her work uncovers how genes and environmental causes can lead to child psychiatric disorders in a bid to improve treatment and prevention.
She has also appeared to disprove the theory that smoking during pregnancy causes ADHD and anti-social behaviour.
Professor Thapar said: “I am really passionate about child and adolescent psychiatry research, and this award provides international recognition of the work we have done and are doing.
“I am grateful that I have had such a wonderful team to work with and had huge support from my family and mentors.
“These are difficult times for funding research in child and adolescent psychiatry and indeed for child mental health services. Yet mental disorders are set to become the leading global cause of disability and most originate in childhood and adolescence. Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens.
“We need high quality scientific evidence to inform practice and dispel stigma and blame. We can’t base practice and public understanding on myths and opinions.
“I really hope the Ruane Prize will succeed in drawing the attention of funders and policymakers to the urgent need for continued investment in child and adolescent psychiatry research.”