The Cognitive FX Blog

Dr. Diane Spangler PhD

Dr. Spangler is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working in both clinical and academic settings. She earned her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Oregon followed by a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Spangler served as a Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University for 15 years where she directed training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, and conducted research on the etiology and treatment of depressive, anxiety, and eating disorders. She also served as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Psychiatry Cognitive Therapy Centre at Oxford University in England. Dr Spangler has authored over 60 publications and has lectured worldwide. She has received numerous awards for her collective work from the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychological Association, the International Association for Cognitive Psychotherapy, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Beck Institute, and the National Association of Professional Women.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Post-Concussion Syndrome: What It Can & Can't Do

By: Dr. Diane Spangler PhD December 1st, 2021 Updated March 17, 2023

Living with the lingering symptoms of a concussion for months or even years is life-changing. Patients with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) can feel worthless, misunderstood, lonely, and frustrated. In fact, almost half of these patients develop anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Even if patients don’t develop these conditions, many still struggle with negative thoughts and emotions in their daily lives.

Concussions Can Result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Learn Why and What Can Help

By: Dr. Diane Spangler PhD July 16th, 2020 Updated March 8, 2023

Anxiety. Depression. Irritability. Dramatic mood swings. Difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

Long-Term Anxiety After a Concussion: Why You Feel This Way and How to Move Forward

By: Dr. Diane Spangler PhD June 15th, 2020 Updated April 5, 2023

There is a whole world of hurt and pain for patients who experience mental health symptoms after a concussion. Not all of them realize that concussions can cause anxiety, and those who do know it don’t know why it’s happening or how to fix it. Many visit psychiatrists who prescribe medication that may just make things worse (something we’ll explain in depth later in the post).

Depression After a Concussion: Why You Feel This Way and How to Start Healing

By: Dr. Diane Spangler PhD June 8th, 2020 Updated April 5, 2023

“No one ever told me my concussion could cause depression.”

Heightened Anxiety Over COVID-19: How Our Bodies Perceive Threats

By: Dr. Diane Spangler PhD May 19th, 2020 Updated December 8, 2022

It should come as no surprise that COVID-19 — both the illness itself and all the situational changes that come with the coronavirus pandemic — is messing with our minds. Many people are experiencing heightened anxiety in response to the pandemic, and not just people who have experienced anxiety before.