You’ve heard of infants who fail to thrive. It is just as tragic when promising young adults seem to lose their focus and become non-productive. Families become frustrated and angry, and feel helpless when trying to decide how to help their loved one move forward.
Characteristics often include:
- Anhedonia – the loss of ability to experience pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Dissipation of goal-driven behavior
- Social withdrawal
- Disruption of sleep-wake cycle (but not insomnia)
- Entitlement/narcissistic traits
- Low self-esteem
- Obsessive-compulsive traits
- Overvalued ideas that seem reasonable as rules to live by to the individual, but not to others
- Low level of functioning (social, school, and/or work) relative to a higher previous level
Neuropsychological evaluation can clarify diagnosis and help to formulate an effective intervention plan, so the entire family can move forward. Don’t lose more time – evaluate, understand, and take action.
Contact Dr. Dahlman to schedule a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation at 212.828.4780 or karen.dahlman@mssm.edu.