Medical Psychology and Memory Clinic

  MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Medical psychology is the interface between medicine and psychology and the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders that are corollaries of various medical problems.  The memory clinic, a part of Medical psychology, focuses on the assessment and treatment of various memory disorders.

 At Psychological Associates our mission for the Medical Psychology and Memory Clinic is to provide the most effective evaluation for the diagnosis and treatment of psychological aspects of various medical issues and memory deficits, and to provide support and facilitate access needed services for the patient and all members of the patient’s family and support groups who are affected by the medical issue or by memory loss.

Another part of our mission is to work closely with referring physicians by providing them clear feedback on assessment and recommendations for treatment.

  Medical Psychology assessments focus on many different areas including: pain management, assessments including but not limited to pain pump surgical eligibility, spinal cord stimulator surgical eligibility and cognitive/attention stability on pain medication; Gastric Bypass Surgery eligibility assessment, and a variety of other specific surgical eligibility evaluations. 

Treatment within the Medical Psychology program focuses on treatment of patients with various medical conditions and their families.  For instance, patients with chronic pain or Cardiac issues may be treated via relaxation training and hypnosis and/or cognitive behavioral treatments.  Adjustment to a chronic illness is also a typical focus of treatment, such as helping patients cope with cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury and kidney disease.  Support and family therapy is also offered for the affected patient and their families. 

 MEMORY CLINIC

Regarding the area of Memory, most people are concerned about losing their memory at some time in their life.  In most cases, memory loss is due to normal aging.  However, at times memory loss is caused by medical conditions.  One of these conditions is Alzheimer's disease.  Today new treatments are being researched to help slow the detrimental changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.  Other conditions associated with memory loss include: anxiety, depression, head injury, Parkinson's disease, stroke, other dementias (i.e., Lewy Body dementia, Pick's dementia), prolonged anesthesia, anoxia (a lack of oxygen to the brain), hormonal imbalance, and anemia.  In addition, some medications and/or substance abuse can contribute to memory loss. 

When memory becomes a significant concern, then a memory assessment may be necessary and often will include Neuropsychological and Psychological assessment, a functional status evaluation and coordination with other medical specialists including Neurologists, Primary Care Physicians and family and support members.  Other specific assessments may be needed such as DriveABLE assessments to evaluate a patient’s ability to drive a motor vehicle after memory loss or a brain injury.  Counseling to the affected patient and their family and support group can also be provided.

                           Rick Spencer, Ph.D., Psy.D.

Tom Myer, Psy.D., P.A.

Elaine Bailey, Ph.D

1120 North Palafox St.,

Pensacola, FL 32502

Phone:          850-434-5033

         Fax:              850-433-0268