Expert Lecture Kicks Off 'Family & Mental Health 2026' Action Weeks
Strong Interest in Expert Lecture on Media Addiction from Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry Perspectives
A recent expert lecture titled "Media Addiction: Perspectives from Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry" drew significant attention after being organized by the FaPsy Network (Families and Psychiatry), of which the city of Arnsberg is also a member. The talk was delivered by Dr. med. Rüdiger Holzbach, Chief Physician of the Psychiatry Clinic at Alexianer Klinikum Hochsauerland, and Dr. med. Robert Waltereit, Chief Physician of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Marsberg under the Westphalia-Lippe Regional Association (LWL).
The event marked the well-attended launch of the "Family & Mental Health 2026" action weeks at Arnsberg's cultural center, with 105 participants from family support services, psychiatry, healthcare, and education gathering for the FaPsy Network's initiative.
Core Focus: Media Addiction Across the Lifespan
The afternoon's centerpiece was the expert lecture by Dr. Holzbach and Dr. Waltereit, offering a comprehensive overview of the role and impact of media in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Key aspects of behavioral addictions were explored—including their development, underlying causes, diagnostic classification, neurobiological mechanisms, and the potential consequences of problematic media use. The discussion also examined international trends and approaches to prevention and treatment of media dependency, rounding out the presentation.
Prevention and Treatment: A Collaborative Effort
Even before the event began, many attendees visited information booths to learn about local support services, which generated considerable interest and fostered networking among participating institutions. Following the lecture, a lively discussion unfolded, with numerous questions raised and diverse perspectives shared. The exchange underscored the complexity of the issue and the many unanswered questions that remain.
A Complex and Evolving Field
For years, the FaPsy Network (Family Support & Psychiatry) has connected institutions and professionals across the Arnsberg, Sundern, Ense, and Wickede (Ruhr) regions. Its mission is to strengthen collaboration between support systems and provide early, tailored assistance to families facing psychological challenges, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary exchange.
The network hailed the event as a successful kickoff to the action weeks and a valuable catalyst for continued professional dialogue in the region.
