Abcs of neuropsychiatry

Neuropsychiatry sits between the fields of neurology and psychiatry and deals with the psychiatric manifestations of psychiatric disorders. Due to the division of psychiatry and neurology in the past century and the complexity in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders psychiatrists may lack consistent experience with this speciality. The conditions include among others neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures, head injury and movement disorders.

The first part of the course will aim to provide participants with an overview of the general approach to neuropsychiatric diagnosis, and management. The second half of the course will deal with practical applications to four conditions encountered in neuropsychiatric practice. Firstly we will provide an overview of the current developments in the diagnosis of neuroanatomy and psychiatric manifestations. Secondly, we will review the psychiatric manifestations of epilepsy and the aetiology and management of non-epileptic seizures. Thirdly, we will discuss the psychiatric complications of movement disorders and Parkinson’s disease in particular. Finally, we will provide an overview of the neuropsychiatrist’s role in the assessment and management of acute and chronic effects of head injury.

Director: Dr David Okai, UK