For a period of some fifteen years following completion of my internship training in clinical psychology (1950-1951) at the Washington University School of Medicine and my concurrent successful navigation through that school's neuroanatomy course, clinical work in neuropsychology for me and the psychologists of my generation consisted almost exclusively of trying to help our physician colleagues differentiate patients with neurologic from those with psychiatric disorders. In time, experience led all of us from the several disciplines involved in this enterprise to the conclusion that the crude diag nostic techniques available to us circa 1945-1965 had garnered us little valid information upon which to base such complex, differential diagnostic decisions. It now is gratifying to look back and review the remarkable progress that has occurred in the field of clinical neuropsychology in the four decades since I was a graduate student. In the late 1940s such pioneers as Ward Halstead, Alexander Luria, George Yacorzynski, Hans-Lukas Teuber, and Arthur Benton already were involved in clinical studies that, by the late 1960s, would markedly have improved the quality of clinical practice. However, the only psychological tests that the clinical psychologist of my immediate post-Second World War generation had as aids for the diagnosis of neurologically based conditions involving cognitive deficit were such old standbys as the Wechsler Bellevue, Rorschach, Draw A Person, Bender Gestalt, and Graham Kendall Memory for Designs Test.

For a period of some fifteen years following completion of my internship training in clinical psychology (1950-1951) at the Washington University School of Medicine and my concurrent successful navigation through that school's neuroanatomy course, clinical work in neuropsychology for me and the psychologists of my generation consisted almost exclusively of our trying to help our physician colleagues differentiate patients with neurologic disorders from those with psychiatric disorders. In time, experience led all of us from the several disciplines involved in this enterprise to the conclusion that the crude diagnostic techniques available to us circa 1945-1965 had garnered little valid information on which to base such complex, differential diagnostic decisions. It now is gratifying to look back and review the remarkable progress that has occurred in the field of clinical neuropsychology in the four decades since I was a graduate student. In the late 1940s such pioneers as Ward Halstead, Alexander Luria, George Yacorzynski, Hans-Lukas Teuber, and Arthur Benton already were involved in clinical studies that, by the late 1960s, would markedly have improved the quality of clinical practice. However, the only psychological tests that the clinical psychologist of my immediate post Second Wodd War generation had as aids for the diagnosis of neurologically based conditions involving cognitive deficit were such old standbys as the Wechsler-Bellevue, Rorschach, Draw A Person, Bender Gestalt, and Graham Kendall Memory for Designs Test.

Neuropsychological assessment is a difficult and complicated process. Often, experienced clinicians as well as trainees and students gloss over fundamental problems or fail to consider potential sources of error. Since formal test data on the surface appear unambiguous and objective, they may fall into the habit of overemphasizing tests and their scores and underemphasizing all the factors that affect the validity, reliability, and interpretability of test data. But interpretation is far from straightforward, and a pragmatic application of assessment results requires attention to a multitude of issues. This long-awaited, updated, and greatly expanded second edition of the Clinician's Guide to Neuropsychological Assessment, like the first, focuses on the clinical practice of neuropsychology. Orienting readers to the entire multitude of issues, it guides them step by step through evaluation and helps them avoid common misconceptions, mistakes, and methodological pitfalls. It is divided into three sections: fundamental elements of the assessment process; special issues, settings, and populations; and new approaches and methodologies. The authors, all of whom are actively engaged in the clinical practice of neuropsychological assessment, as well as in teaching and research, do an outstanding job of integrating the academic and the practical. The Clinician's Guide to Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition will be welcomed as a text for graduate courses but also as an invaluable hands-on handbook for interns, postdoctoral fellows, and experienced neuropsychologists alike. No other book offers its combination of breadth across batteries and approaches, depth, and practicality.

Ecological validity, the functional and predictive relationship between a patient's performance on a set of neuropsychological tests and their behavior in a variety of real-world settings, is emerging as a powerful tool. Since neuropsychological data were not designed to be ecologically valid, attempts to use the data in such a manner have been filled with pitfalls. The authors present a strong argument for reevaluating existing tests and/or developing new measurements. Special attention is given to specific functions such as the cognitive constructs of attention, perception, working memory, language, and executive function. Additional consideration is given to the assessment of special populations: children, minorities, substance abusers, elderly, and emotionally disturbed neurological populations. One area in which neuropsychology can lend tremendous assistance is in predicting a client's ability to resume activities of daily living, but more important, when a client can return to work. Ecological Validity of Neuropsychological Testing covers this issue extensively and details the role of vocational rehabilitation and the lack of exposure many within neuropsychology have to these specific needs of their clients.

Originally published in 1992, this is a wide-ranging text concerned with the principles and practice of neuropsychological assessment in adults. It combines a flexible hypothesis testing approach to assessment with information on specialised test batteries. The book covers the major areas of memory, language, perception, attention, and executive dysfunctions, and includes chapters on dementia, alcohol, drug and toxic conditions, stroke and closed head injury. Assessment of dysfunction in cases involving claims for compensation and chapters on specialised assessment techniques, including automated test procedures, are provided. The book presents a sound introduction to this complex area and gives guidelines for the clinician who may need concise information on a specialised topic.

Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between behaviour, emotion, and cognition on the one hand, and brain function on the other. Psychology Library Editions: Neuropsychology (12 Volume set) presents titles, originally published between 1981 and 1993, covering a variety of areas within neuropsychology, a relatively new discipline at the time, as it firmly established itself within the field of psychology. It includes contributions from well-respected academics, many still active in neuropsychology today.

This ambitious and accessible guide reviews innovative technologies enhancing the field of neuropsychological testing. Starting with the premise that standard batteries—some nearly a century old—lag behind in our era of neuroimaging, genomic studies, psychophysiology, and informatics, it presents digital measures offering more efficient administration, more accurate data, and wider clinical applications. Ecological validity and evidence-based science are key themes in these advances, from virtual environments and assessment of social cognition to the shift toward situational reliability and away from lab-created constructs. These chapters also demonstrate how high-tech assessment tools can complement or supplement traditional pencil-and-paper measures without replacing them outright. This book covers in depth: · The evolution of neuropsychological testing over the past century. · Current applications of computer-based neuropsychological assessments. · The strengths and limitations of simulation technology. · The use of teleneuropsychology in reaching remote clients. · The potential of gaming technologies in neurocognitive rehabilitation. · How technology can transform test data into information useful across specialties. Clinical Neuropsychology and Technology brings neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists into the vanguard of assessment measures and processes that will translate into more accurate testing, collaborations between disciplines, and valid and useful outcomes.

This volume brings together leading clinical investigators to describe effective interventions for a wide range of neuropsychological impairments. Coverage includes cognitive impairments -- problems with attention, learning and memory, visuoperception, language, apraxia, and executive functions -- as well as neurologically based social and emotional difficulties. Presented is a framework for developing, delivering, and evaluating services that target these specific areas of functioning while promoting the individual's overall adaptation and recovery. Chapters also address the importance of multidimensional assessment, provide best practice guidelines for clinical research, and discuss the role of pharmacotherapy in cognitive rehabilitation.

This volume offers a comprehensive overview of this fast-evolving field. More than a revised edition, the text reflects recent developments in neuroscience and computer technology, coupled with changing service delivery models. Authoritative and up to date, it is an indispensable resource for anyone working with individuals with acquired cognitive impairments. This volume belongs on the desks of professionals across a wide variety of rehabilitation specialties, including neuropsychology, clinical and cognitive psychology, psychiatry, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, neurology, and rehabilitation medicine. For student use, the book will replace its predecessor as a key text in courses on rehabilitation methods and neurogenic disorders.