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Emotional conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, substance addictions, bipolar disorder, panic or phobic anxieties, and sleep disorders may have their bases in a brain dysfunction. Structural, chemical, or metabolic abnormalities in the brain may give rise to symptoms of one or more of these problems. Usually, if an emotional disorder is caused primarily by a brain problem, neuropsychological (cognitive) symptoms (e.g., memory, language, and thinking problems) will be present. Neuropsychological examination is a key diagnostic procedure to differentiate brain-based emotional problems from other sources of emotional symptoms. The key purpose of a neuropsychological screening examination is to make an initial differential diagnosis to clarify the direction of further diagnostic study and, ultimately, treatment. The American Psychological Association provides information and links related to a variety of emotional and mental health problems. The University of Kansas Behavioral and Emotional Disturbance Resources page can lead you to additional, targeted information. Internet Mental Health provides more information on emotional disorders. For support groups, information on specific diagnostic categories, or other resources to meet your needs, search Google.
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Copyright ©1999, 2000, 2001 Dennis P.
Swiercinsky, Ph.D. |
