Disorders of Cognition Thought and Social Functioning Clinic, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota

Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

For Families

The primary focus of this clinic is for the assessment and treatment of individuals who may have a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. There are many misperceptions regarding schizophrenia in the public. Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects 1% of the population and the common symptoms are:

• Disorganization in thinking or in speech
• Auditory or visual hallucinations
• Adhering to false beliefs
• Cognitive problems, especially problems with attention, memory and problem solving
• Social isolation
• Lack of energy
• Apathy
• Worsening problems in daily functioning or activities

Evaluation

The initial evaluation lasts about three hours and will include the following:

• Psychological and psychiatric evaluation
• Mental status and neurological examination
• Neurocognitive screening and development of a plan for further neuropsychological assessment
• Assessment of social functioning
• Multidisciplinary staffing for each patient that comes through the clinic

Each member of the team will take part in the evaluation and at the end of the day there will be a staff meeting to discuss diagnosis and treatment. The family will receive a report of the evaluation. The report can also be sent to the referring physician, school, or others involved in the child's care with parental consent.

Treatment

The clinic will provide a written evaluation that will be sent to the family and others at the families consent (i.e., primary  care physician, therapist, school, etc.)

Treatment options that are available within the University clinic includes:

• Medication Management or consultation
• Therapy (including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, or supportive therapy)
• School consultation, which includes sharing of the neurocognitive assessment results for academic interventions
• Psychoeducation with the family

Clinical Staff

Jonathan Jensen, M.D.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Tonya White, M.D.
Pediatrician
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Jeff Wozniak, Ph.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Call (612) 273-8710
for further information or to make an appointment

For Referring Physicians:
This multidisciplinary clinic can serve as a 'second opinion' or consultation clinic. You will receive a full report of the evaluation.