Dr. Shammem Akhtar is an accomplished psychologist and researcher specializing in adolescent mental health, substance use, and the influence of family dynamics on psychological outcomes. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of parental influence on adolescent psychopathology and emotional regulation, as well as the relationship between social media use and body satisfaction.
Dr. Akhtar has co-authored multiple studies examining the links between substance use, depression, and social anxiety—particularly among university students—and has played a key role in developing mental health intervention programs. With a strong foundation in both clinical psychology and research methodology, she has worked across academic and community settings, training professionals and leading awareness initiatives aimed at reducing stigma around mental health and substance use.
A passionate advocate for evidence-based approaches, Dr. Akhtar is committed to empowering individuals, families, and communities to better manage mental health and substance-related challenges.
Publications and Contributions:
Her contributions to the field include co-authoring research on social media addiction and adolescent well-being, and contributing to the development and validation of mental health assessment tools—such as the Kucher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS) in Pakistan.