Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) is characterized by the acute onset of a severe anterograde memory impairment and a less pronounced retrograde amnesia. In addition to deficits in memory, executive function, visuo-spatial abilities, and visuo-perception are impaired. The main structures involved in the neuropathology of KS are the mammillary bodies and the thalamus. It is generally assumed that KS is a stable amnesic condition, and little research has been done in studying the effects of aging on the syndrome. / A group of elderly KS patients were evaluated on a large battery of neuropsychological tests to examine general cognitive function, memory, attention, visuo-spatial ability, and executive function. Their performance was compared to age-matched Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy controls. Results showed that there is an interaction between age and KS, with exaggerated deficits seen in memory and executive function, as well as new deficits in semantic memory. / To better understand KS, the thesis provides a review focusing on human, English language studies published between the years 1995 and 2008. Updates on the current findings of treatment and prevention, genetics and prevalence, neuropathology, and neuropsychology including memory and frontal function are provided. In addition, comparison studies of KS to other neurological disorders are summarized.

It has recently been recognized that adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a valid disorder (Gadow & Weiss, 2001). Much less is known, however, about the assessment of ADHD, and about the functional impairments associated with ADHD, in adults compared to children. The objective of the present study was to characterize the functional impairments in DSM-IV diagnosed ADHD adults compared to community control adults and clinic-referred adults reporting symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity who did not meet symptom thresholds for the disorder. Method. The sample for this study consisted of 120 adults: 47 adults with ADHD, 43 clinic-referred adults who did not meet criteria for ADHD, and 30 community control adults. All were assessed with a comprehensive battery assessing psychiatric, cognitive, school, and driving impairment. Results. ADHD adults showed significantly more impairment than community control adults on all outcome measures. ADHD adults had subtle cognitive deficits, and higher rates of lifetime conduct problems compared to clinic-comparison adults. ADHD adults did not differ reliably from clinic-comparison adults on measures of internalizing disorders, school problems, or driving impairment. Clinic-comparison adults showed significantly more impairment than community control adults on measures of psychiatric functioning and school impairment. Conclusions. DSM-IV diagnosed ADHD adults show a pattern of clinical features that mirrors well-documented findings among children with the disorder, and show significantly greater impairment than do community control adults. Adults meeting some, but not all, criteria for ADHD fall in between ADHD adults and community control adults, and may warrant treatment. Our results highlight the importance of assessing ADHD in adults in a manner that attends to the potential reduced sensitivity of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for use in adult populations (Faraon

This study examined the efficacy of conjoint behavioural consultation (CBC) in the remediation of behavioural problems in children with cognitive disabilities. Further, this study sought to determine whether parents' knowledge of behavioural principles and behavioural management skills improved as a result of participating in CBC. An A/B design was utilized with 6 children (ages 7--10), their parents and teachers. Children evidenced improvements in their target behaviours from baseline to treatment at home or at school (effect sizes = -2.11 to +1.35). Overall, children evidenced improvements in social skills, problem behaviours, or externalizing behaviours (Reliable Change Indices [RCI] = -0.27 to 3.29). Moreover, knowledge of behavioural principles increased significantly for two parents at posttest when compared to pretest (RCI = 1.25 to 3.47). Also, parents used more praise statements, fewer critical statements, and fewer no-opportunity commands at posttest than at pretest. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings, limitations of this study, and future research directions are discussed.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

Thesis (Ph.D.) in Psychology--University of Maine, 2008. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 96-107).

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Washington State University. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1990.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, Dec., 2008. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Drexel University, 2010. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-114).