Psychiatry (e-books)

E-book

Zuzana Dankulincová, Daniela Husárová

In the context of the deteriorating state of adolescent mental health, it is extremely important to optimize the existing mental health care system in Slovakia. There is still little comprehensive and coherent information about the functioning of the system and the process of providing assistance within professional care, its shortcomings or suggestions for improvement. This is not possible without a deep knowledge of the perspective and experiences of adolescents with mental problems themselves. The aim of this publication is therefore to present adolescents' views on the professional assistance provided as a result of experienced mental problems within the existing care system in Slovakia.

The findings from a qualitative study that focused on the views of young people themselves are presented. The chapters of the monograph capture their views on the perception of mental health problems in society, their experiences with identifying emerging problems and seeking professional help, and their experiences with the care process itself and its forms. They also capture their overall experience with both care and care providers, as well as with leaving care and its impacts in various areas. Finally, a view is presented of possible recommendations that could improve the mental health care provided from the adolescents' perspective.

This publication is intended primarily for all professionals working with adolescents with mental health problems in all branches of care, teachers and other educational staff who are in contact with them every day at school, and last but not least, all competent policy makers who care about the mental health of adolescents and have the power to improve the care provided to them.

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E-book

Dominika Jarčušková

The script deals with the issue of harmful alcohol use and its consequences on individuals’ cognitive abilities. The first part is devoted to the diagnosis of dependence syndrome and the assessment of risky drinking according to internationally recognized classifications (ICD, DSM). The following chapters explain the concept of cognition and its main components. Attention is also given to changes in cognitive functions during long-term alcohol abuse. The reader is introduced to the anatomical changes in the brain caused by alcohol. Damage to white matter and disorders of neurotransmission are described. Special focus is placed on diagnoses associated with alcohol use, such as Korsakoff syndrome, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, demyelinating disorders, and hepatic encephalopathy. Attention is also paid to the possibilities of diagnosing cognitive dysfunction. General screening tests such as MMSE or MoCA are presented. More specific tools, such as PHES or BEARNI, are described in greater detail. The script also points out the possibilities of pharmacological treatment. Non-pharmacological approaches, including cognitive remediation therapy and computer-based training, are also discussed. The conclusion is devoted to modern neuromodulation methods, in particular transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. This university textbook is primarily intended for students of medicine, psychology, and related health sciences.

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