Neuropsychological evidence for subjective memory complaints in the neurologically well individual
Background. Subjective memory and concentration difficulties are frequently expressed in modern society and, if sufficiently worrying, may elicit a medical consultation for elucidation. When a clear explanation cannot be given, a neuro- psychological assessment may be a useful tool. Method. The pre...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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AOSIS
2003-09-01
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| Series: | South African Journal of Psychiatry |
| Online Access: | http://www.sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/134 |
| Summary: | Background. Subjective memory and concentration difficulties are frequently expressed in modern society and, if sufficiently worrying, may elicit a medical consultation for elucidation. When a clear explanation cannot be given, a neuro- psychological assessment may be a useful tool.
Method. The present naturalistic study recruited 20 patients who reported cognitive difficulties for which a medical expla- nation could not be found. Each subject underwent a clinical interview and neuropsychological assessment in order to iden- tify the nature and severity of the problem, and to identify a possible cause of these complaints.
Results. Several possible explanations were documented but mood disturbance was considered the most likely reason for the identified cognitive difficulties.
Limitations. This was a naturalistic study with a specific sample, and consequently generalisability may be reduced.
Conclusion. Even in episodes of mild depression cognitive dif- ficulties occur that may be presented to neurologists rather than psychiatrists. In such instances the patient is at risk of not receiv- ing the appropriate treatment for his or her mood disorder . |
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| ISSN: | 1608-9685 2078-6786 |