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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Lonely on December 30, 2004, at 1:47:30
Is there a formal credentialing program or degree for neuropsychologists? My spouse has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (I'm looking for a support group by the way for family members) and was sent to a psychologist for neuropsych testing. She's young and per what I found on the internet is known for working with chronic pain but my spouse does not have chronic pain. I don't want to be rude and come out and ask her what her creditials are. I *know* she's credentialed by the state to practice as a psychologist but neuropsychology is a different matter. Also, I know from what my spouse told me, that she does administer these tests in other places.
Also, I have some fairly major concerns about the accuracy of the testing although we have not yet received the report. The first time there was absolutely no therapy after the test - he just said that my spouse needed his own therapist and we should seek couples counseling. In fact, he lied to us; we found out from the LMSW that my spouse DID in fact, have brain damage that showed up on the test. The couples counseling was out of the question as insurance will not pay. Also, the first neuropsych was very squirrely and wouldn't tell us anything during the meeting. A personal friend told me that he was kind've weird.
I'd sort've like my spouse to see someone for a while who has more insight into MS & psychological issues. He's been seeing a LMSW for 3 years and I don't really feel she quite has the skills to deal with the here-and-now. i.e., he needs to focus on current issues and behaviors, not on his childhood. Then I have to deal with the perception of being controlling. Well, with an MS, manic depressive, dementia spouse one *does* have to take control! I'm no doubt looking for support and direction on all this and feel it isn't coming locally.
Posted by bimini on December 30, 2004, at 13:27:35
In reply to Neuropsychology-Credentials? Validity? Therapy?, posted by Lonely on December 30, 2004, at 1:47:30
First of all I am very sorry to hear about your spouse's diagnosis. Don't worry about appearing to be 'controlling', that is their problem not yours. You are absolutely right to take control, good for you and good for your spouse.
It may be that it is assumed to be of benefit to deny brain damage, to lie about its irreversible and permanent effects. Maybe it is ignorance, at any case it resulted in my distrust of Doctors which is as irreperable.NeuroPsychiatrist are medical practitioners in psychiatry and related neurosciences, have training and board certification in clinical neuropsychology, a specialty that focuses on assessment of brain functioning and how specific disorders may affect a person's abilities to work and live. Of course there are also some which hold seperate board certification for Neurology AND Psychiatry AND Physiatry.
You can check your doc's credentials online, number of publications, description of specialty as well as any warnings issued.
The neuropsych testing is likely done by a psychologist and will be used as a reference against later testing.
I recommend support from people who have been diagnosed with MS and their caretakers. This is a great start:
MGH Neurology Services:
http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.eduOnline Patient Support Group
Brain Talk Community/ Multiple Sclerosis:
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=4ebde05482e96fc052b549efa5703b24&f=181
(I don't know if this link will work, you can find the MS group through Brain Talk)bimini
This is the end of the thread.
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