Neuropsychiatry is the field of medicine that deals with psychiatric ailments resulting from neurological disturbances or damage to the nervous system. This specialty focuses on the interaction between neurobiology and psychological factors to help affected individuals lead a fulfilling and independent life.

Some of the clinical problems that need the intervention of a neuropsychiatrist are:

Parkinson’s Disease

This is a progressive brain degenerative disorder that leads to hallucinations or delusions, memory loss and difficulties in motor coordination over time.

Clinical psychology plays an important role in helping manage Parkinson's disease, especially those experiencing hallucinations or delusions induced by dopamine-enhancing medicines that are prescribed to manage the disease. Although these medications are important to strengthen motor control, they can lead to psychotic symptoms. Along with visual hallucinations, delusions of grandeur, persecution and paranoia are common, which can significantly impact the individual’s daily life.

Our clinical psychology clinic offers treatment for the patient, along with education and support for the family members and caregivers. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy is often used to help patients and caregivers learn how to cope with the different symptoms and reduce stress. The dosages of various medications are also monitored to balance motor control and minimise psychotic symptoms.

Huntington Disease

This is a hereditary neurogenerative disorder that begins with cognitive decline, involuntary movements and psychiatric symptoms like impulsivity, aggression and mood swings. Over time, Huntington Disease can lead to violent behaviour and personality changes, which puts a strain on relationships and impacts the patient’s daily life. The management of the disease involves addressing both neurological and psychological symptoms. Along with neuropsychiatric evaluations, the counselling services of our experienced psychologists help the patient, and their family/caregivers manage the symptoms and the emotional impact. Neuropsychiatrists not only help diagnose and manage the ailment but also conduct a comprehensive range of assessments to understand how the individual’s overall quality of life can be improved.

Dementia

Dementia is another degenerative disorder of the brain that leads to a progressive decline in cognitive abilities and changes in behaviour. Over time, it affects the memory, communication skills and reasoning abilities of the individual while making them feel agitated, withdrawn or confused. Clinical psychology offers interventions, such as group and individual therapy, to address emotional distress and improve coping skills. The adult psychologist or therapist also spends time with the caregivers to educate them about the illness and provide the necessary support.

Seizures with Psychosis or Depression

People suffering from epilepsy might also experience psychosis and mood disorders. Sometimes, they might experience an altered state of mind, such as depression, for a few days before a seizure. This not only impacts the individual's mental health, but also their quality of life. Various other symptoms can also accompany (precede or follow) seizures, such as hallucinations, delusions or anxiety. Apart from the medication prescribed by the neuropsychiatrist, the doctor might recommend assessment and counselling from a psychologist to evaluate the cognitive abilities, address distress and promote well-being. This multidisciplinary approach ensures holistic treatment for best results.

Developmentally Disabled Patients with Self-Harming Behaviour

Individuals who have been disabled since childhood might experience hopelessness and other disturbing thoughts that can lead to undertaking self-harming behaviours. Such behaviours can also result from sensory processing difficulties and communication challenges and include scratching or cutting the skin on their arms or legs, head banging, etc., which pose a risk to the safety of the individual. A psychologist provides a variety of services, including behavioural assessments and counselling to control negative thinking and harmful behaviours. Our Clinical Psychology Clinic also helps the individual learn alternative communication methods to reduce the risk of self-harm. With a comprehensive understanding of sensory integration techniques, our neuropsychiatrists and other doctors ensure holistic care for the patient and their caregivers.

Comorbid Schizophrenia and Dementia

Patients simultaneously combating both schizophrenia and dementia require specialised interventions from various domains of clinical psychology and neuropsychiatry due to the overlapping nature of their symptoms. They may show signs of hallucinations, delusions, memory impairment and disorganised thought. The doctors conduct evaluations to coordinate treatments and strategies that enhance the patient’s daily function. Our psychologists not only offer education but also focus on social skills training, along with reality orientation, to manage the symptoms.

Tourette's Syndrome and Severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Tourette’s Syndrome involves involuntary vocal and motor tics that can sometimes be accompanied by severely intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviour. It is diagnosed through involuntary jerky movements, called tics, followed by obsessive thoughts and a compulsion to carry them out. This not only affects the daily living of an individual but also severely hinders interpersonal relationships. While a clinical psychology clinic will help with exposure and response prevention therapy to address compulsive behaviours and anxiety, a developmental paediatric specialist prescribes medication to manage the tics. Behavioural therapies are also used to help the individual regain their function and confidence.