Ep 1. Multiple Sclerosis: What is it? How is it Diagnosed?

If you are a mental health provider and want CE credits for listening this episode, go to: Multiple Sclerosis: What is it? How is it Diagnosed?

COST

Listening, reading, or watching the course content is free. Pay only if you need the continuing education credits. This course costs $30 and provides 1.5 CE credits.

Summary 

In this module, we will be learning about the basic pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis, different theories of etiology, and basic epidemiology. In addition to the physical symptoms found in multiple sclerosis, 65% of individuals with this disease experience cognitive impairment, and 50% experience at least one significant episode of depression. Understanding the basic pathophysiology of MS can help psychologists and mental health providers understand the etiology of these cognitive and emotional symptoms that are so pertinent and relevant to psychological assessment and treatment.

Additionally, it is helpful for mental health providers to understand the basic epidemiology and theories of etiology around multiple sclerosis to adequately address:

• unhelpful or inaccurate thought patterns (e.g., guilt or self-blame for contracting the disease or worry about passing the disease to offspring),
• identify and address health behaviors that could increase the risk of developing MS or leading to faster progression (e.g., smoking), and
• correct misinformation about the racial and ethnic make-up of those that develop MS.

Our experts include:

• Ashley Pike – Ph.D. Student Living with and Studying MS at University of Arkansas
• Aaron Boster, MD – Neurologist and Founder of The Boster Center for Multiple Sclerosis
• Kevin Alschuler, Ph.D. – Psychologist and Researcher at University of Washington