Dr. Kale Kirkland offers various types of comprehensive assessments in both the Licensed Psychologist fields. These evaluations are conducted by self-referral or referral from a variety of sources, including physicians, psychiatrists, schools, and lawyers with a number of specialties. Dr. Kale Kirkland works with attorneys who practice personal injury law, and conducting evaluations of their clients for purposes of determining any related psychological impact. These evaluations are typically focused upon assessing for psychiatric diagnoses subsequent to a traumatic event. Although these events can vary, the most common cases that are referred for evaluations are related to recent motor vehicle accidents (MVA).
Research has found that Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is present in 16% of individuals involved in MVAs (Harvey & Bryant, 1999). Further, additional research has established that a majority of those diagnosed with ASD are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)within six months of the trauma (Bryant, 2011). Essentially, PTSD is the result of the progression of ASD, and can only be diagnosed once a month has passed after the trauma. Thus, if you are exhibiting changes in life circumstances, changes in mood and/or anxiety levels, there is a strong indication for needing an evaluation.
Bryant, R.A. (2011). Acute stress disorder as a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 72, 233-239.
Bryant, R.A, & Harvey, A.G. (1999). Predictors of acute stress following motor vehicle accidents. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 12(3), 519-526.