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Suicidality in Chronic Pain Patients- The importance of Early Intervention

Suicidality in Chronic Pain Patients- The importance of Early Intervention

Suicide is a major health problem worldwide, with well over 1 million of deaths per year. Suicidal thoughts are more common than suicide attempts, with the latter occurring about 10 times more frequently than completed suicides. Among the most important risk factors are depression and anxiety/other mental health disorders combined with physical diseases such as chronic pain.

Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) often manifests with symptoms associated with epileptic seizures as a result of some form of psychological distress as opposed to abnormal brain wave activity.  Symptoms may resemble complex partial or absence seizures with atypical movements, falling, reduced attention,

DIAGNOSE AND ADIOS: THE DEVALUATION OF CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

DIAGNOSE AND ADIOS: THE DEVALUATION OF CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

Clinical neuropsychology has now been absorbed into the medical model in various settings, from private practice to different departments in the hospital. The field has grown remarkably, providing the behavioral expression of different pathological brain conditions.  Our field has been built upon an assembly of past neuropsychologist giants along with the rich integration from different disciplines of psychology.

Identifying CADASIL: The Role of Neuropsychological Testing and Statistical Analysis

Identifying CADASIL: The Role of Neuropsychological Testing and Statistical Analysis

As clinical neuropsychologists, we are often asked to identify the cause of thinking changes. Many conditions can cause thinking and memory problems, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s to vascular disorders that reduce blood flow to the brain. Understanding the underlying process is crucial,

Spotlight Series on Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond: Part IV: Managing Mood and Emotions

Spotlight Series on Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond: Part IV: Managing Mood and Emotions

In our fourth and final blog post on the menopause transition (MT), we focus on the emotional well-being challenges – specifically, depression, anxiety, and low stress tolerance – that can show up during this time period. An estimated 4 of 10 women report mood symptoms such as tearfulness,

Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluation In Cases Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluation In Cases Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

A subset of traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases involves “mild” injuries which are often termed mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) or concussion.  As is well documented in medicolegal literature, many of these cases are litigated.  The forensic neuropsychological evaluation, often referred to as an independent neuropsychological evaluation (e.g.,

Somatic Symptom Disorder

Somatic Symptom Disorder

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is diagnosed when an individual experiences significant level of distress in response to physical symptoms and struggles coping. The symptoms may or may not be explained by a medical condition, or represent normal bodily sensations such as pain or discomfort.

THE CHANGING WORLD OF THE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY RESIDENCY/FELLOWSHIP

THE CHANGING WORLD OF THE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY RESIDENCY/FELLOWSHIP

In our field of neuropsychology, significant changes are occurring affecting you, the applicant, you the patient, and as the treating/training doctors.  This movement of managerial control began in 1997 with the Houston Conference, a self-proclaimed group of neuropsychology experts deciding what the curriculum should consist of leading to defining what a legitimate neuropsychologist is and the skills the student should possess in order to treat patients.