Differential Diagnosis in Adult Neuropsychological Assessment


Book Description

This text clearly presents a multitude of variables that potentially affect the results of neuropsychological tests. THe chapter authors, all noted experts in their respective fields, begin with a general discussion of neuropsychological constructs known to impact performance on neuropsychological tests, including demographics, personality, and sociocultural factors. They then present an empirical approach to assessment. They focus on the disorders under discussion (not solely the tests that might be used in diagnosis) and reflect the contributions the field has made to detecting differences in disorders that have neurological underpinnings. The disorders reviewed include dementia, HIV-related syndromes, adult seizure disorders, toxic exposure, mild to severe brain injury, and chronic fatigue syndrome.




Neuropsychological Differential Diagnosis


Book Description

Designed for clinicians and researchers, this is a guide to making differential diagnoses using commonly employed neuropsychological tasks and test measures using meta-analysis. The book contains a compendium of neuropsychological profiles for practitioners and students of neuropsychology, behavioural neurology, psychiatry and speech pathology, and others whose work brings them into contact with patients suffering from common neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.




Neuropsychological Tools for Dementia


Book Description

Neuropsychological Tools for Dementia: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment takes a unique approach by combining the neuroscientific background of neuropsychology, neuropsychological tools for diagnosis and disease staging, and neuropsychological treatment into one comprehensive book for researchers and clinicians. Sections present an introduction to neuropsychological assessment in dementias, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia (alpha-synucleinopathies), atypical Parkinson’s diseases (tauopathies), language and behavioral variants of frontotemporal lobe degeneration, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Each chapter elucidates the point that neuropsychological measures provide the tools to differentiate disease-specific impairments from normal age-related cognitive decline, and from other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the book discusses the possibility of helping patients through neuropsychological intervention. Case studies aid in the reader’s comprehension of the field, and two short guidelines for each disease’s specific assessment and treatment prepare readers for handling real-life patients. Includes epidemiological information regarding dementia Demonstrates the use of neuropsychological tests and screening tools in diagnosing and differentiating patients with dementia Outlines which investigation strategy and neuropsychological tests work best for assessing patients for different neurodegenerative diseases Reviews specific interventions to slow the progress of dementia wherever possible Discusses the neuropathology, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease




Adult Learning Disabilities and ADHD: Research-Informed Assessment


Book Description

What is a disability? What is a learning disability? -- Research on learning disabilities in adults -- Research on ADHD in adults -- Research-informed assessment of learning disabilities and ADHD -- Client feedback and documentation -- Accommodations and interventions -- Case illustrations




Handbook of Neuropsychological Assessment


Book Description

The growth of clinical neuropsychology has been unprecedented. This growth has been oriented more toward the provision of than toward the foundation for services. Thus, while a greater number of psychologists are performing a greater number of neuropsychological procedures, there seems to us an uneven parallel growth between these services and the empirical foundations for them. It should come to no one's surprise that increasingly aggressive attacks on the field have been leveled. Despite these attacks, clinical neuropsychology con tinues to enjoy exceptional growth within psychology and acceptance by other health practitioners, insurance companies, legislators, judges, juries, and above all, consumers of our services. Growth without self-reflection is a dangerous enterprise, as is growth without directions. We find it disconcerting that existing and limited "self analysis" has assumed that neuropsychological dysfunction is immune to the same variables that affect psychological dysfunction. Some attention has been paid to the most obvious ones, such as age, but all others have been ignored and/ or misunderstood. This neglect has spawned a body of knowledge replete with questionable data and unfounded conclusions. Hence, it is surprising that clinical neuropsychologists consider themselves to be more scientifically sound than their regular clinical counterparts.




Adult Learning Disorders


Book Description

Recent advances in neuroimaging and genetics technologies have enhanced our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders in adults. The authors in this volume not only discuss such advances as they apply to adults with learning disorders, but also address their translation into clinical practice. One cluster of chapters addresses developmental concerns as children and adolescents with learning disorders approach young adulthood. Experts discuss dyslexia, language-based and writing disorders, perhaps the most widely studied group of learning disorders, from the point of view of neuroimaging and genetic underpinnings. Chapters on the neuroscience of nonverbal, math and executive function disorders are also included. Clinically-oriented chapters with case studies, recommendations for accommodation, and considerations for evaluation follow. Study of specialized populations - such as late high school students, college, medical and law students - further demonstrate how our expanded knowledge base may be applicable to clinical practice. The heterogeneity of adults with learning disorders, the complexity of their clinical presentation and co-existing disorders are addressed from both a scientific and clinical point of view demonstrating how empirical research and clinical practice inform each other. This volume will enhance the practice of clinicians and educators working with adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as providing essential current information for researchers of adults with learning disorders.




Finding the Truth in the Courtroom


Book Description

Finding the Truth in the Courtroom combines the science behind deception and memory and their relation in court. Testimonies are oftentimes the most important piece of evidence in legal cases. Hence, this book shows how such testimonies can be riddled with deception and/or memory errors, how to detect them, and what you can against them.




Neuropsychological Assessment of Dementia and Depression in Older Adults


Book Description

Two of the most common psychological disorders of later life are dementia and depression. The diagnosis of these conditions presents a challenge to clinicians because the symptoms of depression and dementia often overlap; in addition, the symptoms of either of these disorders in their early stages may be attributed to the normal effects of aging. [This book] reviews the most up-to-date research on the diagnosis of dementia and depression [in older adults] and offers concrete recommendations for evaluating this unique population. The contributors to this volume, all experts in the psychological assessment of older adults, give clinicians and practitioners clear and practical guidance on differentiating psychological disorders from normal events in the aging process, identifying symptoms of depression and symptoms of dementia, performing differential assessment of dementia and depression, determining legal competency of older adults, providing clinical interpretations to clients and their families, and applying assessment to therapy and interventions.







Geriatric Psychiatry


Book Description

This textbook presents real-world cases and discussions that introduce the various mental health syndromes found in the aging population before delving into the core concepts covered by geriatric psychiatry curricula. The text follows each case study with the vital information necessary for physicians in training, including key features of each disorder and its presentation, practical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, clinical pearls, and other devices that are essential to students of geriatric psychiatry. With the latest DSM-5 guidelines and with rich learning tools that include key points, review questions, tables, and illustrations, this text is the only resource that is specifically designed to train both American and Canadian candidates for specialty and subspecialty certification or recertification in geriatric psychiatry. It will also appeal to audiences worldwide as a state-of-the-art resource for credentialing and/or practice guidance. The text meets the needs of the future head on with its straightforward coverage of the most frequently encountered challenges, including neuropsychiatric syndromes, psychopharmacology, eldercare and the law, substance misuse, mental health following a physical condition, medical psychiatry, and palliative care. Written by experts in the field, Geriatric Psychiatry: A Case-Based Textbook is the ultimate resource for graduate and undergraduate medical students and certificate candidates providing mental health care for aging adults, including psychiatrists, psychologists, geriatricians, primary care and family practice doctors, neurologists, social workers, nurses, and others.