Neuropsychology has become an increasingly active participant in forensie issues over the past decade. This has been the result of increased recognition by psychologists of the potential role they can play in evaluating patients involved in lawsuits and the increasing sophistication of lawyers who have recognized that damages can go beyond claims of physical and motoric impairment. However, this increase in involvement has not always been matched by a more sophisticated recognition of how the client (whether plaintiff or defendant) can best be served by the neuropsychologist. I have personally seen or reviewed many cases in which the psychologists involved did not effectively present their case. This partially occurred because they failed to recognize the difference in presentations aimed at clinical audiences and those aimed at a legal proceeding. It also occurred because they failed to recognize that the standard of proof necessary is very different in a hospital and in a courtroom. Finally, it occurred because they rarely recognized what the unique role of the psychologist can be in either countering or supporting the testimony of medical specialists. The purpose of this volume is to bring some light on these questions. The presentations here are write-ups of the work presented at the Third Annual Conference on the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery held in Omaha during May, 1985. All of the papers emphasize the role of the Luria-Nebraska but the ideas can be used with almost any test.

The inter-comparison of specific skills as represented by performance on neu- psychological tests is at the heart of the neuropsychological assessment process. However, there is a tendency to regard the interpretation of single tests as a process that is independent of performance on other tests, with integration of test information representing a summary of these individual test performances. As neuropsychology has become increasingly sophisticated, it has been recognized that many factors influence the performance on any given test. The meaning of the same score may vary considerably from one person to another, depending on his or her performance on other neuropsychological tests. Thus, a low score on the Halstead Category Test may indeed reflect frontal lobe damage, but only if we first rule out the influence of visual-spatial problems, emotionality, attentional issues, motivation, fatigue, and comprehension of the instructions. Simplistic interpre- tions that assume a common interpretation based on a specific score will inva- ably lead to errors in interpretation and conclusions. The purpose of this book is to provide each test that is described with a compendium of the possible interpretations that can be used with a variety of common tests that are often included in a neuropsychological test battery. The first chapter discusses some of the pitfalls and cautions when comparing the tests, while the second chapter examines administrative and scoring issues that may be unclear or unavailable for a given test.

Lethal Violence: A Sourcebook on Fatal Domestic, Acquaintance and Stranger Aggression applies the lethal violence sequence analysis to a wide-ranging array of fatal aggression, resulting in a multitude of observations and principles of violence. This sourcebook provides base rate information and cases for each type of fatal interaction, then applies the knowledge to violence-related situations and settings.

Neuropsychology has become an increasingly active participant in forensie issues over the past decade. This has been the result of increased recognition by psychologists of the potential role they can play in evaluating patients involved in lawsuits and the increasing sophistication of lawyers who have recognized that damages can go beyond claims of physical and motoric impairment. However, this increase in involvement has not always been matched by a more sophisticated recognition of how the client (whether plaintiff or defendant) can best be served by the neuropsychologist. I have personally seen or reviewed many cases in which the psychologists involved did not effectively present their case. This partially occurred because they failed to recognize the difference in presentations aimed at clinical audiences and those aimed at a legal proceeding. It also occurred because they failed to recognize that the standard of proof necessary is very different in a hospital and in a courtroom. Finally, it occurred because they rarely recognized what the unique role of the psychologist can be in either countering or supporting the testimony of medical specialists. The purpose of this volume is to bring some light on these questions. The presentations here are write-ups of the work presented at the Third Annual Conference on the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery held in Omaha during May, 1985. All of the papers emphasize the role of the Luria-Nebraska but the ideas can be used with almost any test.

The inter-comparison of specific skills as represented by performance on neu- psychological tests is at the heart of the neuropsychological assessment process. However, there is a tendency to regard the interpretation of single tests as a process that is independent of performance on other tests, with integration of test information representing a summary of these individual test performances. As neuropsychology has become increasingly sophisticated, it has been recognized that many factors influence the performance on any given test. The meaning of the same score may vary considerably from one person to another, depending on his or her performance on other neuropsychological tests. Thus, a low score on the Halstead Category Test may indeed reflect frontal lobe damage, but only if we first rule out the influence of visual-spatial problems, emotionality, attentional issues, motivation, fatigue, and comprehension of the instructions. Simplistic interpre- tions that assume a common interpretation based on a specific score will inva- ably lead to errors in interpretation and conclusions. The purpose of this book is to provide each test that is described with a compendium of the possible interpretations that can be used with a variety of common tests that are often included in a neuropsychological test battery. The first chapter discusses some of the pitfalls and cautions when comparing the tests, while the second chapter examines administrative and scoring issues that may be unclear or unavailable for a given test.

Clinical neuropsychology has become a field of major prominence dur ing the past several years, as well as a field of great complexity. As a result of the extensive amount of activity that neuropsychology has experienced recently, two major developments have emerged. First, several approaches have evolved regarding comprehensive neuro psychological assessment. There are presently several standard test bat teries in common use, as well as an approach to assessment that does not make use of standard batteries, but rather fits the evaluation accom plished to the particular diagnostic problems presented by the indi vidual patient. Second, a great deal of specialization has emerged, with assessment procedures developed for evaluation of specific types of neuropsychological deficit. The purpose of this volume is to review these developments, particularly with reference to their implications for application in clinical settings. The history of this book's development is of particular interest. Some years ago, the Veterans Administration became concerned with developing an optimal method of neuropsychological assessment for its many health-care related facilities. Initially, the problem was con ceptualized in terms of whether the VA should encourage wider use of the long-established Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery (HRB) or promote more extensive use of the recently developed Luria Nebraska Neuropsychological Test Battery (LNNB). A conference was funded to bring together authorities in clinical neuropsychology to dis cuss this matter and present a series of papers to invited psychologists from various VA facilities."

In the last decade, neuropsychology has grown from a small subspecialty to a major component in the practice of clinical and medical psychology. This growth has been caused by advances in psychological testing (such as the Halstead-Reitan neuropsychological battery, as discussed in Chapter 5) that have made evaluation techniques in the field available to a wider audience, by advances in neuroradiol ogy and related medical areas that have enabled us to better understand the struc ture and function of the brain in living individuals without significant potential harm to those individuals, and by increased interest by psychologists and other scientists in the role that the brain plays in determining behavior. Many disorders that were believed by many to be caused purely by learning or environment have been shown to relate, at least in some cases, to brain dysfunction or damage. With the growth of the field, there has been increased interest in the work of neuropsychologists by many who are not in the field."

Clinical Neuropsychology is a vast and varied 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 focuses on specific Neuropsychological disorders. It covers each of the classification systems involved before moving on to specific types of disorders from neurodevelopmental to neuropathological as well as brain injuries, trauma and neurodegenerative disorders. This handbook not only provides an in-depth overview of these Neuropsychological disorders, but also explores the history of the field as well its global challenges. The handbook is an essential tool for clinicians and scientists, as well as postgraduate students and researchers in a range of disciplines exploring the area. PART I BACKGROUND CONSIDERATIONS PART II NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS PART III NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS PART IV NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS PART V TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PART VI PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Clinical Neuropsychology is a vast and varied 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 focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of cognitive disorders. It provides in-depth coverage on a variety of content, including psychometrics, neuropsychological test batteries (computer based cognitive assessment systems) and assessment applications. This handbook is vital for clinical neuropsychologists and 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. PART I BACKGROUND CONSIDERATIONS PART II DOMAIN-SPECIFIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL MEASURES PART III GENERAL COGNITIVE TEST BATTERIES PART IV LEGACY NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TEST BATTERIES PART V COMPUTERISED BATTERIES, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND TELENEUROPSYCHOLOGY PART VI NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT APPLICATIONS

The term chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has recently gained a significant amount of media coverage. However, a large proportion of the information disseminated through the media pertaining to the etiology, neuropathology, and clinical manifestations of CTE are not corroborated by empirical research, and are disputed by prominent researchers who study sports related head injury. This book reviews the existing literature pertaining to these components of CTE and includes unique case studies of several retired NFL players that received a comprehensive neuropsychological battery from a board certified neuropsychologist, among other populations. It investigates the claim that CTE causes depression, violent behavior, and an increased risk for suicide by providing an in depth discussion using empirical data. Highlighting the importance of adhering to post concussion protocol and appreciating the long-term consequences of repeated head trauma, this unique review of the current research on CTE will be useful to students and professionals in psychology and neurology.

This concise reference clarifies the gray areas between traumatic brain injury and PTSD while providing an empirically sound framework for neuropsychological evaluation and differential diagnosis. Its extended research review summarizes findings on key topics including the neuroanatomy of brain injury, test battery design and selection, and the salience of accurate diagnosis to ensuring appropriate specialized treatment. The authors offer the possibility of combined diagnosis as well as injuries that may fall through the diagnostic cracks, and consider possible relationships between TBI, PTSD, and the dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. This knowledge base and the practical guidelines it informs are presented so that readers can better: * Understand the clinical distinctions between TBI and PTSD, and among forms of TBI. * Recognize cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social components of the disorders. * Identify skill areas for neuropsychological evaluation of patients. * Select appropriate instruments for individualized assessment.* Address test administration and interpretation concerns. * Make an accurate differential diagnosis between PTSD and TBI. With its sharp focus on the nuances of trauma and recovery, The Intercorrelation of Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD in Neuropsychological Evaluations will find a wide, interested audience among psychologists, neuropsychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, social workers, mental health counselors, undergraduate and graduate level students, and researchers. In addition, this text may be useful for those interested in psychology and neurology. <

This book focuses on the importance of using a brain-behavior relationship framework for the successful use of neuropsychological evaluations for courtroom purposes. It stresses the need to understand the offender as a unique individual assessed accordingly from cognitive and personality perspectives. The desired goal is to reach a more nuanced evaluation rather than a compilation of test scores. This book clearly explains the circumstances that prevent proper testing including batteries that are confusing or frustrating to the person being tested or those that cause fatigue thus interfering with an appropriate picture of cognitive, motor and sensory skills. Irrelevance of some tests for addressing the reason for referral is also covered as is the importance of setting and adequate time for evaluation. When dealing with court cases involving the violent offender the evaluation is critical to the establishment of the factors that motivated the crime. In most cases the issue is not insanity but rather an understanding for legal purposes of the cognitive and emotional processes that explain how a crime occurred. This book provides a concise overview of the issues involved and how to provide the best scientific information to satisfy the pursuit of justice.

Clinicians within the fields of neuropsychology and school psychology may find this text to be a useful guide in understanding and assessing the disparate learning disorders. This resource reviews the extant literature regarding the current status of diagnosis, conceptualization, and evaluative methods of reading, mathematics, writing, and nonverbal learning disorders. Interventions will be elucidated regarding the remediation of the various subtypes of learning disorders. This book is specifically tailored to aid busy clinicians and students-in-training in accruing the clinical acumen pertinent to assessment of learning disorders. Case studies are included that will give a look into types of cases and profiles clinicians will often come across in practice.

Clinicians within the fields of neuropsychology and school psychology may find this text to be a useful guide in understanding and assessing intellectual disabilities. This resource will provide information regarding the current status of diagnosis, conceptualization, and evaluative methods of intellectual disabilities. Interventions regarding the remediation of the various subtypes of intellectual disabilities will be provided as well as case studies. The focus of this resource is to provide clinicians and students with valuable information in the diagnosis, evaluation and interventions regarding intellectual disabilities.