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Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS): A Review for Clinical, Forensic, and Legal Professionals

Presented By Jerrod Brown, PhD
Jerrod Brown, PhD

1.5 Hours | 1.5 CEs

This on-demand professional training program on Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS): A Review for Clinical, Forensic, and Legal Professionals is presented by Jerrod Brown, Ph.D.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a condition caused by a thiamine (B1 vitamin) deficiency and is most commonly marked by the co-occurrence of two closely associated neurological disorders called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is characterized by ophthalmoplegia (i.e., eye movement disturbances), dementia, and ataxia (i.e., abnormal stance and walking), whereas Korsakoff’s syndrome is typified by apathy, confabulation, delusional tendencies, disorientation, memory loss, mental processing deficits, and personality changes. Overrepresented in certain at-risk populations (e.g., alcohol-dependent individuals, long-term homeless), WKS presents unique challenges and significant management problems for health care, mental health, and criminal justice professionals. These obstacles are often exacerbated when individuals with WKS are not accurately identified and responsively treated, which has distinct implications for family members and the child welfare, mental health, and criminal justice systems.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a clinically complex disorder that has catastrophic and sometimes fatal, effects if not diagnosed and treated during its early stages. Greater awareness among caregivers and professionals may be one of the best ways to reduce future incidents of WKS and its associated brain damage.

During this program, participants acquire knowledge from the latest research literature in five key areas. First, the presentation provides overviews of the historical and etiological (i.e., Thiamine deficiency) origins of WKS. Second, the presentation highlights the risk factors, autopsy results, red flag indicators, and deficits (e.g., executive functioning and memory) commonly associated with the disorder. Third, participants learn about the difficulties of routine screenings for WKS in clinical and forensic populations along with ways to limit missed, under, and misdiagnosis of WKS by accounting for co-occurring conditions (e.g., substance use disorders). Fourth, the presentation examines the impact of WKS on victimization and participation in the criminal justice system (e.g., competency to stand trial, confabulation, and suggestibility) via a review of relevant case studies. Finally, the program concludes with a discussion of current gaps in knowledge and recommendations for future research.

Intended Audience

This on-demand professional training program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals

Experience Level

This on-demand professional training program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.

CE / CPD Credit

APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program you will be able to:

Describe the etiology of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS

Describe the prevalence rates, risk factors, symptoms, and deficits of WKS

Describe how routine screenings for WKS can decrease the likelihood of missed diagnosis, under-diagnosis, and misdiagnosis

Describe the impact of WKS on participation in the criminal justice and legal systems

Describe the impact of WKS on the family and child welfare systems

Describe peer-reviewed research on WKS and identify current gaps in knowledge

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Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consu...

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