This presentation will describe neurocognitive impairments associated with trauma exposure and PTSD across the lifespan. Specific areas of focus will include: cognitive deficits as a risk factor versus outcome of PTSD; common comorbidities (e.g., mild TBI) with similar neurocognitive profiles; differences in pediatric versus adult PTSD neurocognitive research; and the roles of patients’ appraisals and expectancies about their cognitive problems  on functional outcomes. Recommendations regarding test battery development and assessment feedback will be provided.

Kristin Samuelson, Ph.D. is a clinical and forensic psychologist living in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She is a former professor who brings over 20 years of experience as an expert witness and forensic evaluator in litigation related to traumatic stress. Her research has specialized in the field of trauma psychology since 2001, with much of her work surrounding neuropsychological functioning in PTSD.  She continues to serve as a research consultant on federal grants related to PTSD. 

She is proud to have mentored, taught, or supervised hundreds of clinical psychologists during her previous academic positions, which included serving as the director of a trauma psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and as a professor at the California School of Professional Psychology.

As a forensic psychologist, Dr. Samuelson specializes in psychodiagnostic and neuropsychological assessment of both adults and children and she serves as an expert witness, forensic evaluator, and consultant on civil, criminal, and immigration cases involving trauma, and PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and neuropsychological concerns.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this workshop, the participants will be able to:

1. Describe neurocognitive impairments commonly associated with PTSD.
2. Create a neuropsychological test battery for a client with a PTSD referral question.
3. Discuss the effects of trauma exposure on neurocognitive functioning across the lifespan.

Email events@ncnf.org with any questions.

APA & QME CEUs: 2

Webinar will be live-interactive and meets criteria for live CE hours

NCNF is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NCNF maintains responsibility for this program.  NCNF is also approved for continuing education for Qualified Medical Examiners (QME).