• To extend skills and knowledge about emotional and behavioural issues following neurological injury
• To develop understanding of the causes of emotional and behavioural problems
• To explore approaches to assessment
• To provide practical approaches to take away and apply
  
  

COURSE CONTENT:

INTRODUCTION & DEFINITIONS: Definition of emotions. Primary and secondary emotions. The difference between emotions and feelings. Why is it important to consider emotional and behavioural problems following neurological injury?

THE NEUROANATOMY OF EMOTIONS: Are we wired at birth? The limbic structures. The amygdala. The high and low roads of emotions. Neurochemistry and emotions.

THE EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CONSEQUENCES OF NEUROLOGICAL INJURY: Anxiety. Emotional lability. Depression. Anger. Irritability. Aggression. Impulsivity. Disinhibition. Inflexibility. Obsessive behaviour. Self centredness. Insight. Awareness. Disorders of arousal, drive and motivation.

THE CAUSES OF EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS: Organic damage. Pre-injury personality. Cognitive & executive changes. The environment. How staff can cause problems. Awareness. Denial. Adjustment issues.

ASSESSMENT OF EMOTIONAL & BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS:The 6 stage assessment process. Psychosocial assessment tools. Assessment of overt behavioural problems.

TREATMENT OF EMOTIONAL & BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS: Practical session on assessment using a case study. How to improve emotional and behavioural problems using cognitive rehabilitation, psychological support, anxiety management techniques, education of staff, patient & relatives, and drug therapy. How to deal with emotional & behavioural problems using behavioural management techniques. Accelerative and decelerative techniques. Practical session on treatment using a case study.

QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION