9/9/25 Lindsey C. McKernan- Uropsychology: New Opportunities for Intervention in Health Psychology
Clinical brown bag
Lindsey C. McKernan, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Urology
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 12:00- 1:00
Location: 316 Wilson Hall
Uropsychology: New Opportunities for Intervention in Health Psychology
Chronic urologic conditions such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, overactive bladder, chronic prostatitis, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome are common and challenging to treat. Urologic surgical subspecialty clinics often treat these conditions, but many patients do not respond to surgical or procedural interventions. The impact of living with chronic urologic disease is significant, and there are co-occurring high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Despite the general acknowledgement of the role of distress in preceding and perpetuating symptoms in these populations, the presence of psychology has significantly lagged in comparison to other burgeoning areas of health psychology. This presentation will discuss the role of health psychology in urologic treatment, and specific applications of interventions to support treatment for these patients. Data from two clinical trials in this area will be reviewed, with a focus on translating lessons learned to clinical practice.