Executive Dysfunction in Clinical and Forensic Settings
Executive Dysfunction in Clinical and Forensic Settings is organized by CONCEPT Continuing and Professional Studies at PAU. This course has been approved for a maximum of 1 Hour | 1 CE.
Course Description:
Executive function is conceptualized as the skills that enable an individual to plan, organize, and complete goal-directed behaviors and tasks. These skills can include cognitive flexibility, attentional control, inhibitory control, working memory, and problem-solving. However, problems with executive function have been linked to psychiatric disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), substance use, and negative life outcomes including low educational attainment, employment problems, and antisocial behavior. For example, executive dysfunction is characterized by impulsivity and difficulty linking one’s behavior to consequences, both of which increase the risk for antisocial behavior. As such, executive dysfunction problems are commonplace among those in forensic psychiatric and correctional facilities. Because addressing executive dysfunction is essential in decreasing the risk of future antisocial behavior, this training increases the understanding of executive dysfunction-related problems among mental health and criminal justice professionals.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
• Describe the risk factors, etiology, and definitional features of executive dysfunction
• Describe how executive dysfunction can contribute to antisocial behavior and criminal justice-involvement
• Describe appropriate screening and assessment options for executive dysfunction
• Describe evidence-based interventions and treatments for executive dysfunction
• Describe the current state of criminal justice and forensic mental health research literature on executive dysfunction along with gaps in knowledge
