Applied Clinical Neuropsychology: An Introduction

"Luring readers in...with meticulously woven clinical vignettes, Holtz masterfully presents the mechanics and the art of neuropsychology....students will appreciate the historical roots of neuropsychology, [and] will understand the multiplex systems of current neuropsychological approaches..."-Nancy S. Koven, PhDBates College"...there has not been an available text focusing on the application of the basic principles in clinical neuropsychological practice....Finally, a text is available to remedy this problem."-Dennis Andersen, MS, LMHCEastern Washington University "A valuable introduction to the field of clinical neuropsychology and its terminology, this text fills a void. The reader gains an appreciation for the multifaceted role of the clinical neuropsychologist, not only as an assessor of cognitive functioning but also as a treatment professional."Lauren Littlefield, PhD, Washington CollegeThis breakthrough introductory text-unlike all other clinical neuropsychology textbooks on the market-introduces advanced undergraduate students and clinicians in training to the field by showing undergraduate students how clinical neuropsychologists actually practice their craft. The book uncovers the professional issues that clinical neuropsychologists deal with daily, including neurogenerative disorders, acquired disorders, ethical practice issues, interviewing, testing, prognosis and treatment planning, drug prescriptions, and more. Using case studies culled from the author's own clinical work, the book provides students with firsthand accounts of neuropsychology in action. As the first textbook to integrate real, practical applications of neuropsychology, it covers the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with brain illness or injury, as opposed to examining brain structures and functions alone. This innovative, application-based approach to neuropsychology is guaranteed to give students a clear, comprehensive understanding of what neuropsychology is and what neuropsychologists do. Key features: Covers core concepts of neuropsychology, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, brain structure and function, and disorders of the central nervous system Includes application-based topics not covered in traditional texts, such as: differential diagnosis; individual, group, and family therapy; and psychopharmacology Discusses test theory and evaluation, examining tests of intellectual abilities, memory functioning, and more Extensive instructors' ancillary package available with test questions and nearly 100 illustrations in PowerPoint format

About the Author

Jan Leslie Holtz, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology at the College of St. Benedict / Saint John's University in Minnesota, where she teaches courses on neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, health psychology, behavioral medicine, and adult development and aging.