Although some tantrum throwing and impulsive behavior is part of being a child, these behaviors in extreme or with a lack of remorse can indicate problems. Although many clinicians agree that giving a diagnosis to a child, whose mind is still developing, can lead to inaccurate diagnosis, leaving these problems untreated can be worse. Diagnosis is the first step to getting treatment and recovery.

Some symptoms that problems may be occurring are acting out with a lack of remorse, daily tantrums passed the appropriate age, acts of violence, and a lack of emotion. These symptoms can be indicative of anything from ADD/ADHD to OCD to depression or psychopathy. A neuropsychological assessment can help bridge the gap between symptoms and diagnosis.

Although clinical neuropsychological issues in children can be scary for parents and difficult for clinicians, there is also a lot of hope. Are you same person you were when you were five? Or even fifteen? The brain does so much developing in childhood and adolescents that many problems can be successfully cured before adulthood. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem. Many parents fear the stigma of a neuropsychological diagnosis but the matter is kept private and without a diagnosis there cannot be treatment.

One of the most dangerous pediatric neuropsychological disorders is anorexia nervosa. Although it can affect men and women of all ages, it if 10 times more prevalent in young women. Anorexia is marked by extremely limited food intake, distorted self-image and feelings of inadequacy. In more severe cases the effects of self-starvation can also visibly damage the skin, hair, and teeth.

Anorexia nervosa is dangerous because it has such drastic effects on both the body and mind. The majority of anorexia cases are comorbid with other disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder. The effects of starvation are detrimental to every major organ system in the body and can even lead to death in extreme cases.

Neuropsychology programs to treat anorexia nervosa usually entail therapy, medication, and strict dietary supervision. It is important to treat the anorexia, any physical harm caused to the body, and any underlying disorders that could trigger anorexia.

Since people with anorexia deny they have a problem and tend to cut themselves off from the world, it can be hard for loved ones to tell exactly what is wrong. Rapid weight loss, vomiting, and a sudden change in personality are all signs that someone you know could be struggling with anorexia.

Recent studies have shown an alarming correlation between certain high impact sports and memory impairment, verbal problems and other negative changes in the brain. Boxers, football players, MMA fighters and others have shown neurological degeneration in the memory center of their brain. Some ex-NFL players and boxers have begun actively encouraging young players to get routine MRI’s and neuropsych testing. Some professional sports teams are stepping up their concussions diagnosis and treatment.

Certain high profile cases involving athletes and military personal have also questioned the correlation between these injuries and depression, violence and suicide. The correlation there is hard to make however, especially in the case of military veterans who may be suffering from emotional stress as well as traumatic brain injuries. Other studies have linked repeat concussions with higher instance of early onset Alzheimer’s and other degenerative mental disorders.

These recent studies have prompted changes in everything from the way high school football helmets are designed to the way the military help soldiers who have suffered multiple concussions. Unfortunately many of these problems do not become apparent till years after the injuries are sustained. If you suspect someone you know may be suffering the after effects of repeated blows to the head you should urge them to see a neurologist for testing.

Neurodegenerative disorders are a broad category of diseases that are marked by loss of brain and nerve function that typically get progressively worse over time. Some of the more common neurodegenerative disorders include Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Although there is no cure for these diseases treatments can slow and sometimes even stop the progression of neurological decline.

Unfortunately the cause of these diseases is a mystery. Genetics play a role but other contributing factors remain unclear. Some symptoms include memory impairment, shaking or tremors, loss of fine motor function and coordination, difficulty with speech, and seizures. Although the majority of these disorders do not present until older adulthood some can be apparent in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Neuropsychological assessment, and in some cases genetic testing, can detect the presence of these diseases.

Although treatment options are limited there are some promising treatments being developed. Some seek to suppress the production of defective cells (gene silencing) while other aim to use stem cells to repair damaged brain tissue. Drug therapies can easy the onset of symptoms and improve quality of life. New reach suggest keeping the mind active through social interaction and mentally stimulating activities can stave off or slow the progress of theses disorders.

Mania and hypomania are two of the most common psychological diagnosis. Mania is marked by episodic bouts of symptoms that include feelings of grandeur, racing thoughts, hyperactivity, euphoria and agitation. When these mood cycles also include severely depressive episodes the diagnosis is usually bipolar disorder.

Mania can be hard to diagnosis because people with disease are often highly adaptable. Hypomania, which is milder, is even easier to miss. People with mania are often mistaken as simply being overly passionate, opinionated, or quirky. Mania manifest differently in people with different personalities so it can be hard to pinpoint. Specially designed neuropsychological assessments are needed to determine the presence of the disorders.

The mechanism by which mania affects people is complex and mysterious. People with mania have been observed to have abnormal function in many areas of the brain. Mood stabilizers are the most common treatment though anti-psychotic drugs and other treatments can also be helpful. Usually, medication is paired with long term therapy. Neuropsychological assessment is needed to make a diagnosis and to begin treatment.

Many people with diseases are able to take the symptoms and transform them into success. Increased passion and energy can help people get ahead. It is up to the patient and their loved ones to determine how best to manage the illness.

Personality disorders are marked by extreme changes in personality that does not seem to be rooted in particular events. This broad category can include paranoid personality disorder, anti-social personality disorder and dependent personality disorder.

Since the category of personality disorder is so broad it has several sub-categories. Namely there are 3 families of personality disorder. Odd or eccentric personality disorders are marked by paranoia, irrational thinking and behavior, and a loss of interest in socialization. Dramatic disorders tend to affect the way a person views themselves, interacts with others and feels validation. Anxious personality disorders are marked by fear of social situations, extreme fear or dependence on others and persistent feelings of anxiety.

Neuropsych testing is important in determining personality disorder. Because everyone has a unique personality within a unique culture, it can be difficult to assess exactly when a personality disorder exists. Since personality disorders share symptoms with so many other disorders it is important to use neuropsychological testing to rule out other disorders. If you suspect a loved one’s behavior has crossed the line from odd to scary or bizarre, you should consider testing.

Treatment for these disorders varies greatly but usually involves some sort of behavioral therapy often in conjunction with medication.

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental disorders. Social Anxiety, General Anxiety Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress all fall into this category. These disorders are marked by increased worry, sleeplessness, and feeling anxious.  Diagnosis for anxiety disorders have been steadily rising for ten years, as have prescriptions for anti-anxiety drugs, namely benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin).

Clinicians, historians and doctors are torn about whether benzodiazepines are being over-prescribed or if we simply live in anxious times. Some people say that aggressive marketing by drug companies and more liberal prescription by doctors account for the massive increase in benzodiazepines prescriptions. Others say that increased stress is simply a part of world with constant news updates, turbulent economic times, and other factors. Although rehab stays due to benzodiazepines have increased, they are most common in people with other additive disorders so they are safe for most people.

Benzodiazepines are very helpful for people suffering from anxiety, practitioners of clinical neuropsychology are quick to point out. They are most effective when used in conjunction with talk therapy, something only about half of benzodiazepine users do. If you are serious about beating your anxiety see a doctor for neuropsychological testing. They can assess which therapies are right for you.

Pet therapy has become a popular treatment for a number of disorders from depression to autism. People have been training dogs to help the blind and wheelchair bound for decades but the training of specialty mental health dogs is a new development.

Pet therapy is popular for severe pediatric neuropsychology disorders like autism and FASD. Pets can break through some of the emotional and communicative barriers these disorders can erect. Pets can be used to teach empathy, responsibility, and respect. They also help kids with emotional problems like being unable to make friends because on the playground; everyone wants to be friends with the kid who has a cute dog.

If you are depressed an evaluation for depression can help you understand what kind of depression you are suffering from. This will allow clinicians to better advise you in regards to medication, therapy, and other treatment options. Often people suggest dog ownership to people suffering from depression. Feeling the close connection between pet and owner makes many people feel less depressed. Having a dog also encourages healthy activities like taking your dog for a walk or run. Dog ownership also helps with feelings of isolation because dog owners tend to congregate in parks. It’s a great way to meet new people with similar interests.

Oftentimes structural damage or abnormalities in the brain can cause changes in personality. In these cases its can be difficult to determine the underlying cause of the problem.  Tumors, epilepsy, concussions, strokes and other conditions can manifest themselves with personality changes such as depression, giddiness or anger. Treating only the symptoms, however, leaves the real cause of the problem untreated. That is why a concussion diagnosis and follow up are so important. Concussions can cause changes in the brain that may not be immediately apparent.

Other times it is drugs or toxins that cause changes in personality or mood. Drug abuse can cause or exacerbate depression, memory impairment, and other psychological symptoms. Some toxins, though rare, can also cause psychological symptoms. Neuropsych testing, among other things, can help clinicians determine if the problem stems for a more general chemical imbalance in the brain, such as clinical depression, or a physical problem in the brain like a tumor or damage stemming from head trauma.

These cases can be especially confounding to clinicians in an emergency room setting. People can come in complaining of psychological problems but not have medical records. This leads doctors to test for any number of conditions from stroke to schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is one of the most severe mental health disorders one can be diagnosed with. Schizophrenia is marked by a breakdown of thought and emotional responses. This can result in hallucinations, delusions, disorganized communication, depression and anxiety. Schizophrenics usually begins to show symptoms at young adulthood. Neuropsychological evaluation should be administered when symptoms begin to show.

Although the causes of schizophrenia are unknown, genetics are believed to play a large part. Persons with a schizophrenic relative have the disease at 6.5% while the general population have an occurrence of schizophrenia at around 0.5%. Other factors include family dysfunction, stress, drug use, and trauma.

Neuropsychological assessment should be administrated at the first sign of symptoms. Although medication can control many of the symptoms, other require therapy. Schizophrenia can manifest itself in many ways, so treatment needs to be individualized. Treatment used to require hospitalization and institutionalization but that is not often the case any longer. People receiving medication, treatment and consistent monitoring can live normal lives.

Schizophrenia that goes untreated often results in poor outcomes. Untreated schizophrenia can result in higher incidents of drug abuse, incarnation, suicide, and unemployment. Treating and understanding the disease early on is one of the keys to success. Schizophrenia is a scary disease, but in many cases it is now manageable.