8^th Global Experts Meeting on Advances in Neurology and Neuropsychiatry August 27-28, 2018 Tokyo, Japan

Biography:

Professor WK Tang was appointed to professor in the Department of Psychiatry, the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2011. His main research areas are Addictions and Neuropsychiatry in Stroke. Professor Tang has published over 100 papers in renowned journals, and has also contributed to the peer review of 40 journals. He has secured over 20 major competitive research grants, including Health and Medical Research Fund, reference number: 02130726. Health and Medical Research Fund, reference number: 01120376. National Natural Science Foundation of China, reference number: 81371460. General Research Fund, reference number: 474513. General Research Fund, reference number: 473712. He has served the editorial boards of five scientific journals. He was also a recipient of the Young Researcher Award in 2007, awarded by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

 

Abstract:

Many stroke survivors suffer from depression. Poststroke Depression (PSD) adversely effects on the recovery and rehabilitation of stroke survivors. The frequency of PSD remained high in both acute and chronic stroke patients. Possible structural correlates of PSD include cerebral microbleeds, lacunar infarcts, and white matter changes. Functional changes in several brain networks, such as the default mode network and the affective network have been reported in PSD. Latest findings on the link between structural and functional brain changes and PSD will be discussed. This project is supported by the following grants: Health and Medical Research Fund, reference number: 02130726; Health and Medical Research Fund, reference number: 01120376; National Natural Science Foundation of China, reference number: 81371460; General Research Fund, reference number: 474513; General Research Fund, reference number: 473712.

 

Biography:

Dr. Pawan Rajpal completed his bachelors in medicine from Mumbai in India and followed this by a Post Grad diploma in Psychological Medicine. He further trained in London finishing his Membership of the Royal college Of Psychiatrists and further specialised in Psychiatry of Intellectual disability. He has been practising for last decade in prestigious Harley Street in London and at Priory group, working with people with Neuro developmental disorders, specialising in diagnosing and managing complex cases.

 

Abstract:

Neuro Developmental disorders, (NDD) including Autism/Asperger’s (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), have deficits described either in Social communication/interaction/imagination, or in attention/concentration/hyperactivity/impulsivity. There is significant co morbidity, from 30% to 50%. The common symptoms occur in almost all, however in about â…“ to ½ cases fulfil criteria for more than one diagnosis.

Mental illnesses like Depression, Anxiety, psychosis, which could be part of Schizophrenia or Bipolar, can become chronic, in about more than half the cases even with best treatment and best compliance. 

These complex cases are often associated with Executive function deficits. It is these that continue to cause morbidity for life long.  It is also these that are given least attention or support, leaving our patients with burden that they continue to carry.

EFD is a term used to describe cognitive processes that help individual regulate, control and manage out thoughts and actions. It includes planning, working memory, attention, problem solving, verbal reasoning, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, initiation of actions and monitoring of actions. Though the EFD are not a part of diagnostic criteria, in NDD diagnosis or count as diagnostic issues when diagnosing mental illness chronicity, it’s these deficits that cause the most morbidity in day-to-day living.

The lack of behaviour flexibility, poor emotional control, decreased ability of self-monitoring, can the basis of either initial presentation, or the cause of relapse. For clients who eventually get a diagnosis of NDD, Environment adaptations are advised, of the need for routine, structure and predictability, however little is provided for supporting the EFD’s, that a person is struggling with.

Just focusing on core deficits in ASD or ADHD, or mood variations, and psychotic symptoms of mental illness,  does not enhance the quality of life or the the outcomes.  Identifying the exact set of EFD’s, will allow for developing specific adaptations, to enhance the quality of life, for children, students and adults.