Multiple Sclerosis: Psychosocial and Vocational Interventions

Back

This book provides a practical perspective on cognitive concerns and their relationship to vocational and psychosocial adjustment issues for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It also provides practical approaches to rehabilitation, vocational, and psychosocial interventions, with illustrative case studies. Of particular note is that all tables, figures, and case study material complement the text and can be used for PowerPoint slides or overheads in training programs for allied health personnel.

Of particular interest are discussions of the cognitive issues in MS, which have not previously been well discussed in the literature, clear discussions of assessment tools and placement models in vocational assessment and rehabilitation planning, and an extensive reading list and self-help resource lists that will be of assistance in understanding psychosocial adjustment in this population.

This guide is an outgrowth of vocational rehabilitation counselor training conducted by the authors, and feedback from the counselor attendees helped to refine the book. It will be helpful to vocational rehabilitation counselors and to all members of the health care team concerned about the psychosocial status of their clients with MS.

The book is divided into four sections:

• A broad-based medical overview provides a basic discussion of the course of the MS disease process, its diagnosis and symptomatology, medical treatments, and rehabilitation
• A discussion of neuropsychological concerns, including concepts of importance in vocational rehabilitation and the specific cognitive and related impairments that are characteristic of MS and that cause vocational difficulties
• A review of vocational rehabilitation interventions focusing on assessment and rehabilitation planning
• A review of psychosocial issues and interventions that focus on a wide range of issues affecting the family and community

The book is designed to be used as a basic training text for an individual counselor or health professional seeking to learn more about MS vocational rehabilitation or psychosocial adjustment and neuropsychology. It can also be used as the core material for training groups. Case studies are included as small group discussion training tools.