The substance, 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was first synthesized in Germany in the early 1900s by Merck and Co. At that time there was no defined medical use for the product. Through time studies began to…
The purpose of veterans’ court is to assist veterans who are accused of crimes that occurred as they are adjusting to civilian life. There is an extensive screening process for veterans who apply. The courts…
Blast injury-the signature wound of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is always wise to ask a veteran client who has served in the Middle East if he or she was ever exposed to…
There are several depression screening tools that professionals administer that are cost effective and provide concrete data that can be used in court. Symptoms of depression that could affect a veteran’s functioning are; sad or…
Hypothetical Scenario The following is a fictional scenario in which a veteran client may be arrested and charged with a crime. Mr. Smith served two yearlong tours in Iraq. He experienced a mild traumatic brain…
Mental health problems manifest in many ways. Depression, mania, addiction and psychosis have profound effects on behavior. Sometimes substance use and psychiatric disorders interact and amplify symptoms. Some psychiatric disorders are marked by poor insight.…
Early or heavy substance use can have a profound impact on an individual’s brain, with resulting changes in judgment and behavior. Substances can lead to acute impairment during periods of intoxication and withdrawal. Some substances…
Some defendants are legally adults but are less-than-mature neurologically. Neurodevelopmental research tells us that brain maturation is not complete until mid-twenties. What are the implications of an immature brain? Impulsivity, poor judgment, decreased impulse control…
Among the life experiences that are linked to adult problems, childhood adversity is the best studied and has the most compelling data. In study after study, early life adversity is linked to medical, mental health…
The primary treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic medication. It can help individuals to manage their symptoms but it is not a cure. The older antipsychotic medications, called “first generation” were effective for positive symptoms and…
Individuals with schizophrenia may sleep excessively or use alcohol or other substances to diminish the voices. Command hallucinations are the most serious and can be dangerous. The voices may command an individual to harm themselves…
There is currently no diagnostic test for schizophrenia. The age of onset is usually between the late teens and early thirties. Diagnosis is based on an individual’s history and presenting symptoms. Positive, negative and cognitive…
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