It is with great pleasure that we invite you to the 20th International Forum on Mood and Anxiety Disorders (IFMAD), which will take place in the beautiful city of Budapest from Wednesday, 4 June, to Friday, 6 June 2025.

As we celebrate the milestone of the 20th edition, we reflect on the continued growth and importance of IFMAD as a forum for exchanging groundbreaking ideas and advancing the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Our tradition of gathering international experts in a collegial environment, fostering open dialogue between speakers, experts, and attendees, remains a core part of our meeting. The interactive atmosphere, both within the sessions and during the breaks, allows for rich discussions that extend well beyond the presentations themselves.

This year, we will delve into exciting new developments in treatment-resistant mood and anxiety disorders, explore novel therapeutic approaches, and examine the impact of the gut microbiota on mental health. Discussions will also include the latest in dementia treatment, the evolving role of genetics and psychotherapy in psychiatric care, and how emerging therapies like psilocybin are reshaping our understanding of treatment efficacy. We will further address the management of cognitive impairments in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, among other key topics.

We expect a vibrant exchange of knowledge on these subjects, building on the latest research and clinical experiences. With Budapest as our host city, we also look forward to providing a memorable backdrop for professional connections, international collaboration, and the warm reunion of our IFMAD community.

We eagerly anticipate seeing you in Budapest for this special 20^th edition of IFMAD, where together, we will continue to push the boundaries of psychiatric research and treatment.

A warm welcome from the IFMAD chairpersons!