The SAGE Handbook of Clinical Neuropsychology: Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment and Diagnosis

Clinical Neuropsychology is a field that focuses on the treatment, assessment, and diagnosis of cognitive disorders by studying neuroanatomy and the relationship between the brain and human behavior. This handbook provides in-depth coverage of psychometrics, neuropsychological test batteries, and assessment applications, making it essential for clinical neuropsychologists, postgraduate students, and researchers to apply neuropsychology to clinical settings and effectively assess, diagnose, and treat patients with cognitive disorders.

Format: Hardback
Length: 728 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Clinical neuropsychology is a vast and intricate domain that delves into the treatment, assessment, and diagnosis of a diverse array of cognitive disorders by studying and comprehending the intricate interplay between neuroanatomy and human behavior. Within this comprehensive handbook, we explore the assessment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of cognitive disorders in great detail. We provide a thorough examination of various topics, such as psychometrics, neuropsychological test batteries (computer-based cognitive assessment systems), and assessment applications. This handbook serves as an indispensable resource for clinical neuropsychologists, postgraduate students, and researchers seeking to apply their knowledge of neuropsychology in clinical settings and effectively evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients grappling with cognitive disorders.

PART I BACKGROUND CONSIDERATIONS

Clinical neuropsychology is a multidisciplinary field that draws upon various disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, and medicine. It aims to understand the relationship between brain structure and function and cognitive processes, which can help in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive disorders.

Neuroanatomy is a fundamental aspect of clinical neuropsychology. It involves the study of the brain's structure and function, including its various regions, neural networks, and connections. By understanding the neuroanatomy of cognitive disorders, clinical neuropsychologists can gain insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these disorders and develop targeted treatment strategies.

The relationship between the brain and human behavior is another key area of study in clinical neuropsychology. This relationship is complex and multifaceted, involving various cognitive, emotional, and physiological processes. Clinical neuropsychologists use a variety of methods, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), to study the brain's activity and identify patterns that may be associated with cognitive disorders.

PART II DOMAIN-SPECIFIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL MEASURES

Clinical neuropsychology encompasses a wide range of domain-specific measures that are used to assess and diagnose cognitive disorders. These measures include cognitive tests, neuropsychological batteries, and functional assessments.

Cognitive tests are used to measure a variety of cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. These tests can be administered in a variety of formats, including paper-and-pencil tests, computerized tests, and virtual reality tests. Cognitive tests can provide valuable information about a patient's cognitive functioning and can help in the diagnosis of cognitive disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.

Neuropsychological batteries are comprehensive tests that assess a range of cognitive domains, including memory, attention, language, and executive function. These batteries typically include a series of tests that measure different aspects of cognitive functioning and can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a patient's cognitive abilities.

Functional assessments are used to evaluate a patient's daily functioning and ability to perform activities of daily living. These assessments can include measures of functional capacity, such as the ability to walk, speak, and perform basic self-care tasks, as well as measures of quality of life, such as depression and anxiety. Functional assessments can be particularly useful in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive disorders that affect daily functioning, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.

PART III GENERAL COGNITIVE TEST BATTERIES

General cognitive test batteries are a set of standardized tests that are used to assess a range of cognitive abilities across different domains. These batteries typically include a variety of tests that measure different aspects of cognitive functioning, such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving.

Some of the most widely used general cognitive test batteries include the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales. These tests have been extensively validated and are widely used in clinical and research settings.

General cognitive test batteries can provide valuable information about a patient's cognitive functioning and can help in the diagnosis of cognitive disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. They can also be used to monitor the progression of cognitive decline in patients with these disorders and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

PART IV LEGACY NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TEST BATTERIES

Legacy neuropsychological test batteries are a set of standardized tests that were developed in the past and are still used in clinical practice today. These batteries typically include a variety of tests that measure different aspects of cognitive functioning, such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving.

Some of the most widely used legacy neuropsychological test batteries include the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB), and the Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluation (CNE). These tests have been extensively validated and are widely used in clinical and research settings.

Legacy neuropsychological test batteries can provide valuable information about a patient's cognitive functioning and can help in the diagnosis of cognitive disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. They can also be used to monitor the progression of cognitive decline in patients with these disorders and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

PART V COMPUTERISED BATTERIES, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES, AND TELENEUROPSYCHOLOGY

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of computerised batteries, technological advances, and telepsychology in clinical neuropsychology. These innovations have the potential to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of neuropsychological assessments.

Computerised batteries are a set of standardized tests that are administered on a computer or tablet. These tests can be designed to be interactive and can provide immediate feedback to the patient. Computerised batteries can also be used to administer tests to a large number of patients in a short amount of time, which can be particularly useful in clinical settings where time is limited.

Technological advances, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), have the potential to revolutionize the way we assess and treat cognitive disorders. VR and AR can create immersive and realistic environments that can be used to simulate real-world situations and test cognitive abilities. These technologies can also be used to provide therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive rehabilitation, that can help patients improve their cognitive functioning.

Telepsychology is the use of technology to provide remote neuropsychological assessments and interventions. Telepsychology can be particularly useful in rural and remote areas where access to clinical neuropsychologists is limited. It can also be used to provide services to patients who are unable to travel to a clinical setting, such as those who are homebound or have mobility issues.

PART VI NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT APPLICATIONS

Clinical neuropsychology has a wide range of applications in various clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices. These applications can be used to assess and diagnose cognitive disorders, develop treatment plans, and monitor the progress of patients.

In hospitals, clinical neuropsychologists can be involved in the assessment and diagnosis of patients who have been admitted with a neurological condition, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury. They can also be involved in the development of treatment plans and the monitoring of patient progress.

In clinics, clinical neuropsychologists can be involved in the assessment and diagnosis of patients with a variety of cognitive disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They can also be involved in the development of treatment plans and the monitoring of patient progress.

In schools, clinical neuropsychologists can be involved in the assessment and diagnosis of students who are experiencing academic difficulties. They can also be involved in the development of treatment plans and the monitoring of student progress.

In private practices, clinical neuropsychologists can be involved in the assessment and diagnosis of patients with a variety of cognitive disorders, such as memory loss, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dementia. They can also be involved in the development of treatment plans and the monitoring of patient progress.

In conclusion, clinical neuropsychology is a vast and intricate field that focuses on the treatment, assessment, and diagnosis of a range of cognitive disorders through a study and understanding of neuroanatomy and the relationship between the brain and human behavior. This handbook provides in-depth coverage on a variety of content, including psychometrics, neuropsychological test batteries, and assessment applications. It is vital for clinical neuropsychologists, postgraduate students, and researchers hoping to apply a knowledge of neuropsychology to clinical settings and effectively assess, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from cognitive disorders.

Weight: 1432g
Dimension: 252 x 182 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529717761