ABSTRACT
Daily clinical practice of mental health professionals often requires interaction between providers from diverse training and professional backgrounds. Efforts to engage mental health trainees across disciplines are necessary and have had varied outcomes. The current study reviews the development and implementation of a monthly one-hour integrated case presentation seminar (ICPS) as part of independent psychology and psychiatry two-year fellowships at a Midwestern teaching hospital. The training integrated a semi-structured seminar to facilitate case presentation within a group setting. The focus of the seminar was to allow for exposure to conceptualization, diagnostic, and treatment strategies and skills, as well as science-based practice techniques for trainees. Learner survey results and the sustained offering of the seminar suggest the format and goals of the seminar are feasible and acceptable. Based on the current preliminary findings, similar training programs may find benefit in strategies to enhance integrated training opportunities for psychiatry and psychology trainees.
ABSTRACT
Limited information is known about neuropsychological outcomes in Alexander disease, a rare leukodystrophy. Two pediatric cases are summarized. Case 1 (evaluations at 6, 7, 9, and 12 years of age) represents Type I Alexander disease with associated seizures. Case 2 (evaluations at 12, 13, and 16 years of age) represents Type II Alexander disease without additional complications. Case 1 experienced declines in intellectual functioning, visual motor skills, receptive vocabulary, verbal memory, and academic achievement. Case 2 experienced variable neurocognitive change and academic functioning, with average word reading and spelling. Verbal memory also remained intact. Taken together, individuals with Alexander disease may experience cognitive decline to variable degrees. Type I Alexander disease, associated with earlier onset and additional neurological complications, may presage greater cognitive decline than Type II. Due to variability in functioning over time, it is critical to follow individuals across development to make recommendations for educational and treatment planning.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Mood disorders in youth are associated with social and academic impairment, and difficulties within the family system. Engagement in sleep hygiene, and family- and technology-based treatment models can address these impairments. The current study evaluates changes in functioning for youth who participated in a family-based partial hospitalization program (PHP) for mood disorders. Child and parent views of the importance and application of sleep hygiene and utilization of technology-based interventions were also evaluated. METHODS: 474 youth diagnosed with a primary mood disorder and their caregivers participated in a family-based PHP that addressed the role of sleep hygiene, technology use for symptom management, and components of evidence-based treatments in ameliorating mood disorders. Participants were evaluated 1-, 3-, and 6-month following treatment. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated improved functioning in social, home, and school domains. The majority of participants and parents found the sleep hygiene content and application important or very important as a component of treatment. Parents were significantly more likely than youth to be interested in using technology to access after care resources. CONCLUSIONS: Findings revealed significantly less impairment in functioning at follow-up. Parents and youth reported interest in sleep hygiene strategies as part of a comprehensive treatment for mood disorders as well as the use of technology-based resources to assist with treatment. Limitations include sample demographics and follow-up sample size.
