Medically-Related Issues

Brain injuries can result from different causes, including: head trauma, stroke, brain aneurysm, oxygen deprivation, drug abuse, illness, exposure to toxic substances, and many psychiatric conditions (i.e., Biploar Disorder). Damage to the brain can result in changes in cognition (i.e. learning, memory, attention, processing speed, problem solving), personality, mood, and the senses (i.e. hearing, taste, vision). Treatment involves cognitive rehabilitation designed to restore functioning in relevant brain areas.

The diagnosis of cancer impacts the individual, family members, friends, and care-givers. The psychological stress that an individual with cancer or cancer survivor endures refers to the emotional and physiological reactions experienced when an individual confronts a situation in which the demands go beyond their coping resources. There is an association between certain psychological factors, such as feeling helpless or suppressing negative emotions, and the growth or spread of cancer. Stress on the immune system can affect tumor growth and spread. Many patients with cancer or cancer survivors experience problems related to pain, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and the initial impact, treatment, and life adjustment following treatment of cancer.

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which defects in insulin secretion or action result in high glucose (blood sugar) levels. Insulin is a hormone that converts blood sugar into energy. There are approximately 24 million adults and children who have diabetes. Millions of these people are unaware they have diabetes and may also experience mood instability that may become severe enough to result in an additional psychiatric diagnosis such as Depression or an Anxiety Disorder. The use of alcohol and drugs to cope with these mental health issues is common and can create significant medical problems for the individual with diabetes. Treatment for individuals with diabetes may include individual and family psychotherapy, support groups, psychoeducation, and consultation with medical professionals.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect caused by drinking excessive alcohol during pregnancy. This lifelong condition causes a number of physical and mental disabilities, including: abnormal facial features, stunted growth, learning, memory, attention, hearing, and vision. Although the disorder is a permanent condition, psychotherapeutic intervention can be used to assist both the individual and the family to effectively meet the needs of both parties. Additionally, cognitive rehabilitative techniques can be used to increase learning, memory, and attention deficits resulting from FAS.

Over 28 million Americans suffer from migraine heachaches. About 20% of children and adolescents also have significant headaches. Migraines are related to blood vessel contractions and other changes in the brain. Migraine pain can range from moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from four hours to three days and usually occur one to four times per month. Migraines are associated with a variety of symptoms such as sensitivity to light, noise, or odors; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and stomach upset or abdominal pain. Children who experience migraines often look pale, feel dizzy, have blurred vision, have a fever, upset stomach and a small percentage experience recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, which manifest as vomiting. Migraines can be dibelitating and make fucntioning very difficult. Relief of symptoms can be found through medication, alternative treatments, and lifestlye changes.