CASE EXAMPLES
Parents / Families
1. I was asked to determine whether a young man had bipolar disorder and major depression, or ADHD. Following a thorough neuropsychological evaluation, I was able to diagnose his problem as being major depression, and rule out the other conditions. I clarified his treatment options regarding medication choices and a focus for psychotherapy. My clear determination of his condition enabled him to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
2. I saw a14 year-old girl to examine the cause of her school performance problems, as she was not working up to her potential. Her parents and teachers were concerned that she might have ADD. Following my evaluation, I determined that she had an anxiety condition affecting her attention, that she did not have ADD, and did not require medication. I recommended a comprehensive treatment program of tutoring, therapy, time management and a behavior reward system that improved her school performance.
3. A13 year-old girl was referred to me for attention problems and difficulties in academic performance. In this case, I confirmed an inattentive type of ADHD and recommended medication, tutoring, school accommodations, behavior management, and parental education about her challenges.
Health Care Professionals
1. A 48 year-old man with bipolar disorder was referred to me by a psychiatrist concerned about the impact of the illness on the man’s cognitive functioning. I confirmed the original diagnosis, and that his condition impacted his cognitive abilities. I identified his limitations and advised strategies to accommodate for them, such as time management of his functioning (since his mood disorder affected his endurance), and I also provided guidance on emotional issues that could be addressed in psychotherapy.
2. I saw an older woman following a referral from her psychologist because of memory problems and possible dementia. My evaluation indicated dementia, but not the progressive type such as Alzheimer’s. The likely cause of her challenges was over-medication for an inaccurate diagnosis of depression, as well as inappropriate treatment of her physical condition. I consulted with her physicians to facilitate adjustments to her medications that cleared her condition.
3. A psychiatrist referred a man to me with a history of alcohol abuse because there was concern about whether the man had developed cognitive problems secondary to the abuse. My evaluation helped to demonstrate to the patient that his secondary problems were alcohol-related. Our discussions ended his denial and helped him to engage in treatment for alcoholism.
4. A pediatrician referred me to a ten year-old girl to determine whether she had ADHD. The pediatrician was suggesting a trial of medications, and the girl’s parents wanted confirmation through quantitative testing before proceeding with the medication recommendations. Following my testing, I confirmed the ADHD diagnosis and advised the parents to follow their pediatrician’s recommendations, in addition to advising them about behavioral interventions that would assist them in dealing with their daughter’s issues.
Attorneys
1. I was hired by a law firm to evaluate their client, the plaintiff, for sequelae of a brain injury. Following a neuropsychological evaluation, I confirmed the brain injury and resulting emotional difficulties. Based on my evaluation, deposition and testimony in the case, the originally estimated settlement increased tenfold.
2. I performed an evaluation and gave testimony for a defense case in which the original demand was in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Based on my testimony regarding a brain damage claim from a motor vehicle accident, the final settlement was limited to only $25,000.