2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS): A Review for Clinical, Forensic, and Legal Professionals is presented by Jerrod Brown, Ph.D.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a condition caused by a thiamine (B1 vitamin) deficiency and is most commonly marked by the co-occurrence of two closely associated neurological disorders called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome. Wernicke’s encephalopathy is characterized by ophthalmoplegia (i.e., eye movement disturbances), dementia, and ataxia (i.e., abnormal stance and walking), whereas Korsakoff’s syndrome is typified by apathy, confabulation, delusional tendencies, disorientation, memory loss, mental processing deficits, and personality changes. Overrepresented in certain at-risk populations (e.g., alcohol-dependent individuals, long-term homeless), WKS presents unique challenges and significant management problems for health care, mental health, and criminal justice professionals. These obstacles are often exacerbated when individuals with WKS are not accurately identified and responsively treated, which has distinct implications for family members and the child welfare, mental health, and criminal justice systems. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a clinically complex disorder that has catastrophic and sometimes fatal effects if not diagnosed and treated during its early stages. Greater awareness among caregivers and professionals may be one of the best ways to reduce future incidents of WKS and its associated brain damage.

During this program, participants acquire knowledge from the latest research literature in five key areas. First, the presentation provides overviews of the historical and etiological (i.e., Thiamine deficiency) origins of WKS. Second, the presentation highlights the risk factors, autopsy results, red flag indicators, and deficits (e.g., executive functioning and memory) commonly associated with the disorder. Third, participants learn about the difficulties of routine screenings for WKS in clinical and forensic populations along with ways to limit missed, under, and misdiagnosis of WKS by accounting for co-occurring conditions (e.g., substance use disorders). Fourth, the presentation examines the impact of WKS on victimization and participation in the criminal justice system (e.g., competency to stand trial, confabulation, and suggestibility) via a review of relevant case studies. Finally, the program concludes with a discussion of current gaps in knowledge and recommendations for future research.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the etiology of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS).
  • 2 Describe the prevalence rates, risk factors, symptoms, and deficits of WKS.
  • 3 Describe how routine screenings for WKS can decrease the likelihood of missed diagnosis, underdiagnosis, and misdiagnosis.
  • 4 Describe the impact of WKS on participation in the criminal justice and legal systems.
  • 5 Describe the impact of WKS on the family and child welfare systems.
  • 6 Describe peer-reviewed research on WKS and identify current gaps in knowledge.

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health and legal professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) and its impact on cognition, behavior, and legal competence. The program addresses how WKS can affect a defendant’s competence-related abilities and is relevant for professionals working in a variety of settings, including forensic, clinical, criminal justice, health care, social service, and educational environments. The content is suitable for individuals at all stages of their careers, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

  • Practice Setting

    • Forensic mental health professionals.
    • Clinical psychologists.
    • Legal professionals (attorneys, judges, legal evaluators).
    • Criminal justice evaluators.
    • Health care providers involved in mental health or competency evaluations.
    • Social service professionals working with affected populations.
    • Educators and academic professionals in related fields.

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, PhD, is the Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., the lead developer of an online Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST) and the Journal of Special Populations (JSP).

View More Programs from this Presenter
Jerrod Brown, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • The historical and etiological origins of WKS.

  • The risk factors, autopsy results, red flag indicators, and deficits commonly associated with the disorder.

  • The difficulties of routine screenings for WKS in clinical and forensic populations along with ways to limit missed, under, and misdiagnosis of WKS.

  • The impact of WKS on victimization and participation in the criminal justice system via a review of relevant case studies.

  • The current gaps in knowledge and recommendations for future research.

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.