The Department of Psychiatry at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh organized a day-long Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) programme on Neuropsychology: Assessment and Intervention on March 1, 2025. The event brought together experts to discuss key aspects of neuropsychology, emphasizing assessment and intervention strategies for various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Understanding Brain Structure and Function
Professor Shubh Mohan Singh opened the session with an insightful presentation on the structural and functional aspects of the brain. He detailed the intricate organization of the brain and its role in cognition, emotion, and behavior. His lecture highlighted the interplay between different brain regions and their functional specializations, laying the foundation for discussions on neuropsychological assessments and interventions.
Neuropsychological Assessments for Children
Dr. Roopesh B.N. delivered a comprehensive session on neuropsychological assessments for children. He discussed standardized tools and techniques used to evaluate cognitive functions, memory, attention, and executive functions in pediatric populations. He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and learning disabilities.
Principles of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
Dr. Roopesh B.N. also discussed neuropsychological retraining. He explained the fundamental principles of cognitive rehabilitation, emphasizing structured interventions to restore cognitive abilities. He highlighted behavioral training, mental exercises, and computerized cognitive remediation techniques used in clinical practice.
Neuropsychological Deficits in Psychiatric Disorders
Dr. Jyoti Mishra discussed neuropsychological deficits observed in psychiatric conditions. She elaborated on cognitive impairments seen in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Her session focused on memory deficits, executive dysfunction, and attentional impairments, stressing the need for tailored cognitive interventions in psychiatric care.
Assessments and Interventions for Adults
Professor Hardeep Lal Joshi presented on fundamentals of neuropsychological assessment and intervention for adults. He discussed various standardized tests to assess cognitive domains such as attention, memory, language, and problem-solving skills in adults with neurological and psychiatric disorders. His talk also included evidence-based interventions aimed at cognitive rehabilitation.
Neuropsychology of Brain Injuries and Stroke
Dr. Mohammed Afsar delivered an in-depth lecture on the neuropsychological implications of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. He explained the cognitive and behavioral changes following brain trauma, including impairments in executive functioning, processing speed, and emotional regulation. His session emphasized the role of neuropsychological interventions in rehabilitation, including cognitive retraining, psychotherapy, and pharmacological approaches.
Expert Participation and Conclusion
Eminent experts, including Dr. Devender Rana, Dr. Krishan Kumar Soni, Professor Debasish Basu, Dr. Jitendra Mohan, Dr. Abhishek Ghosh, Professor Subho Chakrabarti, Professor Ritu Nehra, Dr. Swapanjeet Sahoo, and Professor Subodh B.N., participated in the event. Their presence enriched the discussions, contributing valuable insights into the evolving field of neuropsychology.
The programme emphasized the critical role of neuropsychological assessments and interventions in clinical settings. Experts underscored the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to address cognitive and psychological impairments in patients effectively. The event concluded with a commitment to advancing neuropsychological research and practice to improve patient outcomes in psychiatric and neurological disorders.