Biography:

Dr. Yolanda C. Leon is native to the Tampa Bay area. She is of Cuban heritage and is proficient in Spanish. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology - School of Psychology, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). She completed specialty training in Neuropsychology during her Doctoral training and completed an APA approved Clinical Psychology internship with specialty training in Neuropsychology. In addition, she completed a postdoctoral Residency in Neuropsychology at Winter Haven Hospital. She has over 15 years of experience in the specialty area of Neuropsychology with subspecialties in Child Neuropsychology, Epilepsy, and Bilingual assessment. Formerly a School Psychologist, She holds Masters and Educational Specialist Degrees from the University of South Florida and incorporates her training as a School Psychologist into her clinical practice as a Florida Licensed Psychologist.

Abstract:

Family Systems practice in pediatric psychology is a new and scarcely researched field. Clinically relevant and scientifically supported research and evidence based approaches in pediatric psychology have primarily been produced by studies that are disease and disorder specific. There is a significant paucity of established, evidence-based examination of family dynamics and family systems intervention in the clinical practice of pediatric neuropsychology. The present workshop aims to present an overview of the integration of family systems concepts and the influence of context (family system) on development and outcome Of neuropsychological consequences of neurodevelopmental disorders in pediatric neuropsychology. Several models to include consultation, intervention, and collaboration will be presented. Brief case vignettes from our pediatric neuropsychology practice will also be presented to illustrate significant points and concepts. The material presented will be useful for both Neuropsychologists and General Clinicians who work with pediatric neurology patients and their families 3 major learning objectives of program: at the end of the presentation, the attendee should be able to: (1). Understand and implement a systems oriented pediatric psychology consultation treatment model using four tenets of the model (Join, Focus, Promote Competence, and Collaborate) with children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, resulting in development of interventions for home and school, and identification of other resources to support the child patient and the family system. (2) Articulate the benefits of implementing a family systems practice in pediatric neuropsychology and pediatric psychology practice that: a.) is oriented toward family strengths rather than individual psychopathology b.) facilitate understanding of diversity (structures, ethnicity, culture) and their influence on the family, and c.) confront issues of the family system’s connectedness with those outside of the family system as a gauge of the family’s isolation and risk or resilience. d.) Be more culturally competent in their practice with children/adolescents 3 major learning objectives of program: at the end of the presentation, the attendee should be able to: (1). Understand and implement a systems oriented pediatric psychology consultation treatment model using four tenets of the model (Join, Focus, Promote Competence, and Collaborate) with children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, resulting in development of interventions for home and school, and identification of other resources to support the child patient and the family system. (2) Articulate the benefits of implementing a family systems practice in pediatric neuropsychology and pediatric psychology practice that: a.) is oriented toward family strengths rather than individual psychopathology b.) facilitate understanding of diversity (structures, ethnicity, culture) and their influence on the family, and c.) confront issues of the family system’s connectedness with those outside of the family system as a gauge of the family’s isolation and risk or resilience. d.) Be more culturally competent in their practice with children/adolescents

Biography:

Mathew Nguyen has received his BS in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Houston in 1992. He has graduated from medical school in 1996 from the University of Texas-Health Science Center at San Antonio. He has completed his internship in 1997 from Baylor College of Medicine, Adult Psychiatry Residency in 1999 from Georgetown University and his Child/Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship from the University of Florida in 2001. He is currently on Faculty at the University of Florida. Among other duties, He is the Medical Director of Springhill Health Center. He also served as the Chief of the UF Psychiatry Consultation/Liaison Services as well as participated as a Faculty in the UF Forensic Institute

Abstract:

The diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a key point in many civil litigation cases regarding minors and establishing causality between perceived trauma and psychological sequelae can be difficult. Complicating this further is the effect of the perceived trauma on the minor’s parents and their psychological reaction. A parent with post-traumatic stress-like symptoms (PTSS) can be just as influential to a child developing symptoms to a trauma as the initial trauma itself. In such cases, can minors ultimately be diagnosed with PTSD if they eventually exhibit all of the diagnostic criteria? We will present two such clinical cases in which the child (“victim”) of the trauma initially endorsed no PTSD symptoms and only presented with these symptoms months-to-years later. We explore this conundrum and discuss the forensic implications and the potential effects of the updated diagnostic criteria of PTSD in DSM-V.

Biography:

Abstract:

To investigate epidemiological status of self-stigma of hearing-impaired middle school students in Hubei Province. Based on the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, a Chinese version scale on self-stigma of disability was developed. A cross-sectional survey was performed in eight cities of Hubei Province. Independent samples t test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson analysis and multivariable linear regression model were used to analyze data. The revised scale consisted of 23 items including four common factors: devaluation-discrimination, alienation, social withdrawal and stigma resistance. The homogeneity reliability, test-retest reliability and split-half reliability and inner correlations ranged 0.50-0.92, and the criterion and the construct validity of scale were statistically significant (P<0.05). 503 hearing-impaired middle school students were investigated, and the rate of high self-stigma was 18.24%. The differences of the self-stigma level was statically significant among school location, grade and hearing-impaired degree (all P<0.05). Besides, the association of resilience, negative coping styles and perceived social support with the self-stigma were statically significant (all P<0.01). School location and negative coping style had positive association with self-stigma level, alienation, social withdrawal and devaluation-discrimination (P<0.05); resilience, perceived social support and parenting style were negative with self-stigma level and devaluation-discrimination (P<0.05); age and resilience had negatively association with stigma resistance (P<0.001); resilience and peer relationship were negative associated with social withdrawal (all P<0.01). The revised self-stigma of disability scale has good reliability and validity, which can meet the requirements of psychological measurement. The self-stigma among disabilities should be paid more attention.

Biography:

Mathew Nguyen has received his BS degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Houston in 1992. He has graduated from Medical School in 1996 from the University of Texas-Health Science Center at San Antonio. He has completed his internship in 1997 from Baylor College of Medicine, Adult Psychiatry Residency in 1999 from Georgetown University and his Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship from the University of Florida in 2001. He is currently on Faculty at the University of Florida. Among other duties, he is the Medical Director of Springhill Health Center and Director of the UF Health Eating Disorder IOP. He has presented nationally and published on eating disorder topics,and his focus is on working with complex families.

Abstract:

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) has a lifetime prevalance rate of about 0.9% with a 10-1 ratio female to male with a mortality rate somewhere between 10-20%. This disorder is most prevalent in the adolescent and young adult population. Other eating disorders are less deadly but more prevalent especially in the college-age population. Patients with Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder are less easily identified as their body habitus is not emaciated (like patients with AN) but the impact on social and occupational functioning can be as great. We will discuss the prevalence rate, epidemiology, psychological etiology and potential treatment strategies for the various eating disorders. Treatment includes inpatient hospitalization (most restrictive and most severe of cases) to outpatient therapy, medications (if indicated) and nutrition consultation. Focus will be given to discussing the complex dynamics of the family systems, the impact of transference and counter-transference on the clinician and the possible therapeutic pitfalls. The more classic psychodynamic approach to patient care is becoming more obsolete; however, it remains pertinent in current patient care. With this in mind, we will define and discuss various defense mechanisms, focus on projective identification and apply this to understand how to approach and manage the complicated family systems that often accompany adolescents with Eating Disorders.

Biography:

Maria Marta Silva is a clinical psychologist with specialization in Adolescent Psychology and Systemic Psychology (Family Therapy), currently working with the Pediatric Cardiology team at the Cardiology Division of the Sao Paul o Hospital, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Federal University of Sao Paul o, Brazil. She obtained her Doctorate degree (PhD) in the Medical Sciences at the Federal University of Sao Paul o after a long period of time studying behavioral and emotional problems in adolescents with heart disease. As a result of this study, a paper was published in 2012 in “Cardiology in the Young”, a pediatric cardiology journal, under the title “Behavioral problems in adolescents with cardiac disease: an exploratory study in a pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic”

Abstract:

There is scientific evidence that adolescents with cardiac disease are more prone to behavioral problems. Aims: To study behavioral problems in adolescents with heart disease. Methods: cross-sectional study involving 130 adolescents with congenital and acquired heart disease, and 246 healthy controls, age between 11 and 18 years. The second part of the Youth Self Report and a semi-structured interview were applied to both groups, and the Child Behavior Checklist to one of the patients’ parents to access their perception of behavioral problems. Results: Male adolescents with heart disease showed significantly fewer behavioral problems compared to controls but no difference was found between female patients and controls. Patients scored significantly higher only on the Social Problems subscale. Male controls scored higher in the Internalizing, Externalizing, and in the Total Problems scales. Among patients, girls scored higher than boys. Girls in middle and late adolescence and boys in early adolescence displayed more behavioral problems. No significant difference was found between congenital and acquired heart disease, neither between acyanotic and cyanotic defects. Operated patients did not differ from the non-operated ones. Patients that were behind on schooling scored higher. Parents scored higher than patients. Conclusions: Male and Female patients reported fewer behavioral problems than controls. Female patients in middle and late adolescence, male patients in early adolescence, and patients that were behind on schooling were the most problematic ones. No difference was observed between diagnostic groups neither between operated patients and the non-operated ones. Patients displayed fewer behavioral problems when compared to their parents’ perception. In the overall, our results displayed a resilient scenario for cardiac patients despite dealing with a chronic disease where stressful situations are the rule.

Biography:

Ahmed Saad Alahmed started his PhD under supervision of Professor Julian Leslie at Ulster University. He has obtained his both Undergraduate and Master\'s degree in Psychology. During his undergraduate studies, he has enhanced skills in the field by working as a Psychologist in a hospital specialized in the treatment of mental health problems in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for six months. After graduating, he continued building his experience by working under appropriate supervision as a Child Psychologist with disabled children (deaf children and children with intellectual problems) for six years. In addition, he taught in different modules such as (Educational, Developmental and Counseling Psychology) for three years in the Department of Psychology at the University of Al-Imam Mohammed bin Saud. He had training courses in using CBT with children and adults as well. He is currently working in a project which is about assessing abused children in Saudi Arabia for behavioral and emotional disorders.

Abstract:

Background: The aim of this study was to assess abused children in Saudi Arabia for possible psychological problems and to compare them with children attending the regular school system.
Sample: The participants were 68 Saudi abused children who live either with their families or in governmental residential homes, and 53 children in the same age range recruited in the same Saudi city. .
Method: Children were asked to complete the self-report Spence Children\'s Anxiety Scale; and parents or caregivers were asked to complete Child Behaviour Checklist. .
Results: Abused children suffered from different types of anxiety but the highest one was generalised anxiety disorder. Also, these children had emotional and behavioural problems and the most frequent ones were aggressive behaviours and being anxious or depressed. Comparable scores from the children from regular schools showed mean scores that were high but not as high as for the abused children in any of these areas. .
Conclusion: Saudi abused children had high levels of anxiety and behavioural and emotional problems, and this has implications for their care which have not been considered to date. Limitations of the data are discussed. .