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Neurological Conditions

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The Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Behavioral Medicine

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Psychiatry ((CCPSY))

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Abstract

Neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, spine, and nerves. There are approximately 600 diseases of the nervous system, some of which are more familiar, such as brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke, and others that are less well known, such as frontotemporal dementia. Neurological conditions are associated with rapid or gradual decline in both physical and or cognitive function. As such, they represent a huge stressor to patients and caregivers, who have to adapt to new roles and changes in identity and lifestyle. These psychosocial factors combined with biological pathways increase risk for psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety in this population. Behavioral medicine interventions can play an important role in helping patients and caregivers cope with challenges associated with having a neurological condition. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced-based treatment found efficacious in decreasing psychological distress and improving adjustment to living with a neurological condition. This chapter presents an overview of neurological conditions, provides information on the most prevalent comorbid conditions associated with neurological conditions, and information on the efficacy of CBT for patients with neurological conditions and comorbid psychological distress. The main part of the chapter is focused on discussing specific CBT modules as well as adaptations of CBT for patients with cognitive deficits. We end with a case example and recommendations for future directions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Behavioral Medicine Service, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Jennifer A. Burbridge Ph.D. & Catherine L. Leveroni Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Jennifer A. Burbridge Ph.D.
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  2. Catherine L. Leveroni Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Jennifer A. Burbridge Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry Behavioral Medicine Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Ana-Maria Vranceanu

  2. Dept. of Psychiatric Oncology & Behavior, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Ce, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Joseph A. Greer

  3. Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Steven A. Safren

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Burbridge, J.A., Leveroni, C.L. (2017). Neurological Conditions. In: Vranceanu, AM., Greer, J., Safren, S. (eds) The Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Behavioral Medicine. Current Clinical Psychiatry. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29294-6_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29294-6_9

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-29292-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-29294-6

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