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amckiernan.ie

Beechlawn Medical, Carrickbrennan Road

Dr Aidan McKiernan Medico-Legal Assessments. Assessing for psychological injury after a car crash or other adverse life events.

Overview of services. A member of the Medico-Legal Society of Ireland specialising in assessment of psychological injury in children and adults following adverse experiences, such as a car accident. Dr McKiernan’s medical report writing is consistent with the requirements of the personal injury assessment baord. Opinion expressed is independent and evidence-based with detail provided on prognosis and expected recovery time for the claimant’s injuries to resolve.

Psychiatric evaluation for adults

Clinical psychology assessments such as those offered by Dr McKiernan differ from psychiatric evaluation. Whereas the latter aim to describe emotional, behavioral, physical and psychological symptoms using medical language, clinical psychology assessments use evidence-based psychological theories to make sense of data from an array of sources, such as clinical interview, observation and standardised testing (see images below). Using reliable and valid measures of PTSD, for example, the addition of standardised testing allows for a quantitative measure of levels of trauma / distress / dysfunction (e.g., Low, Moderate, High). Standardised testing is also used to assess other factors that may be relevant, such personality, and the impact of injury on quality of life.




Injuries board cases

Reports are produced in a standard format which is easily legible, clear and concise. Opinion on causes and prognosis is detailed with guidance on likely recovery time for the claimant’s injuries to resolve. If a full recovery is unlikely, possible residual symptoms are described, including the potential effect these will have on lifestyle/work. Relevant details of the claimant’s medical and accident history are reported and advice is given as to whether the accident has exacerbated any pre-existing symptoms/injury.




Dealing with mental and emotional trauma suffered after a car accident

Whether an individual can be expected to recover from the psychological impact of an accident of their own accord or require specialist treatment is dependant on the nature of the injury and the individual’s coping resources and supports. Treatments recommended in Dr McKiernan’s reports are evidence-based on delivered by registered practitioners.




What symptoms to expect after a car accident? / What are the psychological effects of road collision

Reactions to car accidents vary from a low level of emotional upset that is short in duration to distress that is severe and long-lasting. In the first place, to assess symptoms, consultation should be arranged with GP or accident and emergency services. A determination can be made then as to whether a specialist psychological assessment is required.




Car Accidents / PTSD Assessment

Extensive experience in PTSD assessment following car accidents. Medico-legal assessments of psychological injury due to a car crash are based on results of standardised testing (psychological questionnaires), clinical interview and clinical-based observation, and review of professional reports. The PTSD report is typically issued within 2 - 3 working weeks, allowing ample time for processing psychological injury compensation. Given that the experience of being involved in a car accident is inherently stressful, care is taken to ensure that the individual attending for assessment is treated with respect and dignity.




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