SIG Psychology and Neuropsychology

Objectives

Background for the establishment of the Committee

A group on 'emotional problems' and M.S'. and a group on 'cognitive problems and M.S.' existed within the M.A.R.C.H. programme ( Multiple Sclerosis and Rehabilitation, Care-and Health Services in Europe). It took some time for these groups to become working groups, but the co-operation was fruitful and rewarding . The result of the work was presented in ' Ketelaer, P, M. Prosiegel, M. Battaglia & M.Messmer Ucelli ( Eds.) A Problem-Oriented Approach to Multiple Sclerosis, Acco, Leuven/Amersfoort. 1997'.

In May 1995 an international conference was organised by the two groups in Stockhom. The lectures are published in' M.Prosiegel, R. Vermote & P.Ketelaer. Neuropsychology and Psychology. Sorriso Francescano, Genova. 1996'.

Out of this multicentre collaboration of psychologists and neuropsychologists a stable core-group of colleagues remained. As a further collaboration seemed important to everyone, the group gratefully accepted the possibility to start as a Clinical Care Committee within R.I.M.S.

Goals

To gain and share knowledge and experience about the diagnosis and treatment of neuropsychological and psychological problems in M.S.

To stimulate, support and motivate each other in the difficult and emotionally stressing work ( peer group function).

To enhance research in the field of neuropsychological end psychological problems in M.S.

To sensitize and inform about the psychological and neuropsychological problems in M.S. towards colleagues in the rehabilitation field and towards people with M.S.