International Mental Health Olympiad
The leading Olympiad for students passionate about mental health and psychiatry.
Registration is now open until June 14, 2024!
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
2024 International Open Exam
The International Open Exam will take place on June 15, 2024.
The International Mental Health Olympiad (IMHO) focuses on developing a passion for and knowledge of the field of psychiatry. The IMHO promotes a deep understanding of a diverse range of mental health conditions and their symptoms as per the DSM-5, encouraging students to engage with complex mental health issues, in the form of case studies, critically.
The 2024 IMHO examinations are designed not only to challenge students but also to inspire a lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy and a passion for the field if psychiatry.
International Mental Health Olympiad
The premier Olympiad for student innovators in mental health and psychiatry.
Registration is now open until June 14, 2024
2024 International Mental Health Challenge
The International Mental Health Olympiad (IMHO) adopts a unique approach by utilizing case studies, allowing students to explore the real-world applications of psychiatry and its potential to serve as a catalyst for change in the destigmatization of mental health.
Competition Format
Opens
DATE: | DURATION: 35 MINUTES Middle School and 90 MINUTES High School LOCATION: Virtual
The "Opens" round provides short case studies with the answers being multiple-choice, focusing on the basic understanding of the DSM-5 of a student. The exam will be available from 6am EST of June 15 to 6am EST of June 16.Semifinals
DATE: | DURATION: 50 MINUTES Middle School and 70 MINUTES High School LOCATION: VIRTUAL
Advancing to the semifinals will be the top 10% from the Opens, facing a higher level of challenge with more difficult questions.Finals
DATE: | DURATION: 60 MINUTES for Both Middle and High School Versions LOCATION: Virtual
The finals bring together the top 20 participants in a rigorous contest for the IMHO medals and additional prizes. The questions here will be the hardest of the entire competition.
The first annual edition of the International Mental Health Olympiad (IMHO) is uniquely poised to reshape the landscape of mental health education and innovation. By prioritizing analytical and critical thinking skills, the IMHO goes beyond the conventional academic competition.
It's not merely about understanding mental health concepts; it's about applying this knowledge creatively to solve real-world challenges. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box, developing solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and impactful in the realm of mental health.
This approach ensures that the IMHO fosters a culture of deep, meaningful engagement with mental health issues, promoting a shift from passive learning to active problem-solving and advocacy.
Through participation in the 2024 IMHO examinations, students are given the unique opportunity to contribute to mental health awareness and intervention strategies, walking away with a heightened passion for mental health advocacy and a deeper understanding of how they can make a difference in this critical field.
Preparing for the International Mental Health Olympiad involves more than just rote learning; it's about honing analytical and critical thinking skills crucial in the field of mental health. This competition is designed to evaluate participants' abilities to apply knowledge in practical and innovative ways, reflecting the complexities and nuances of mental health research and advocacy.
The 2024 IMHO has sparked considerable excitement, with over 3,000 students registering their interest. This competition unfolds across four dynamic rounds: a written examination on mental health topics, submission of an advocacy or research proposal, presentation of a mental health project, and participation in innovative mental health advocacy events. The process includes two rounds of open challenges, a semifinal, and a grand final to award the most outstanding contributors.
Coordinated by a dedicated team of volunteers and steered by experts in psychology, psychiatry, and mental health advocacy, the IMHO has visionary goals for expanding its reach. Future plans include launching nation-specific challenges, organizing educational camps, and conducting the finals at a renowned venue to further inspire and celebrate young minds committed to enhancing mental health awareness and research.
Why IMHO?
Through participation in IMHO 2024, participants will be able to walk away with a deeper appreciation of psychiatry and a desire to make a difference in the currently stigmatized field of mental health in different countries around the world no matter at what level they finish. This opportunity is great for both students aspiring for a career related to psychiatry and for those who are seeking to make a change in the world.
How to prepare for IMHO?
The DSM-5 is the ultimate guide for this competition. A team of experts also wrote practice questions of different difficulties mimicking both the level and format of questions that a participant will on the actual exam.