Physiatrists treat patients in the rehabilitation space who have experienced a brain injury, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or Stroke. Mood disturbances and pseudobulbar affect (PBA) as a result of a brain injury are prevalent within this patient population, which inhibit progress toward functional and cognitive rehabilitation. While they often encounter this patient population, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting, many physiatrists have a limited knowledge of mood disorders and PBA. It is imperative to improve outcomes in this population, indicating the importance to create education on this topic for physiatrists.

AAPM&R is developing a series of non-promotional, non-accredited, educational resources on the topic of Addressing Mood Disturbances and Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) in Brain Injury.

The Wednesday, November 2 session will be a one-hour webinar that will focus on major depressive disorder, anxiety, and pseudobulbar affect (PBA) as they relate to brain injury. The differences between mood disorders and PBA will be discussed. The session will include case presentations, interactive polling, and Q&A. Session content will include:

• A general introduction regarding the overall prevalence of mood disturbances in various brain injury populations
• Overview of mood and behavioral disturbances observed following brain injury, with a focus on depressive disorders, anxiety, and PBA
• Review of pharmacological and psychotherapy options for patients in inpatient and outpatient settings

The Wednesday, November 30 session will be a 30-minute virtual moderated Q&A “Continuing the Conversation” session. This will allow participant of the webinar to have a casual conversation with faculty and to ask any additional question they may have. It should be noted, to attend this component of the series, you have to be registered for the webinar too.

Faculty:
Heidi Fusco, MD, FAAPMR - NYUMC Rusk
Christine Greiss, DO, FAAPMR - JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
Richard D. Zorowitz, MD, FAAPMR - MedStar National Rehabilitation Network

This activity has been supported in part by: