Thursday, 13 December 2012

Useful neuropsychology texts

A list of my favourite neuropsychology text books -  the ones that are good to own are marked **. The others are worth borrowing from a library and studying if your budget doesn't stretch to buying them.

Guide to Adult Neuropsychological Diagnosis
I love this 1998 text for a clear guide to differentiating focal neuropsychological syndromes. **
Great for understanding the neuropsychological aspects of medical disorders (2010) **

Cover Graphic
Lots of great chapters in this text on a wide range of topics, with handy suggestions for interventions **
Front Cover
(2003) Great for neuropsychologists who are fascinated by Bayesian analyses and statistics. Good for others to consider as well. From the preface: "Considerable controversy exists between and within factions of neuropsychologists who hold any number of circumscribed views that they often attribute to the superiority of one training model over another. Difference include the number of tests to administer, which among the many available tests should be administered, and how administered tests should be interpreted. Some argue for a purely quantitative analysis where tests scores are compared against established standards. Others demand inclusion of qualitative measures, such as a patient's approach to the test or the way a patient constructs a drawing. Both approaches demonstrate merit. both present limitations. Common to each approach is a reliance on the scientific method for the formation and testing of hypotheses. This work explores scientific methods common to neuropsychological approaches for establishing diagnosis and predicting future or prior performances. Particular emphasis is placed on statistical methods that are readily available to clinical practitioners." (p. vii)
Rehabilitation of Neuropsychological Disorders
Nice online resources supplement this practical volume **        
                         
The Little Black Book of Neuropsychology: A Syndrome-based Approach
Not little, but plenty of helpful content, and recent (2011). **                                      
Front Cover
Another worthwhile book that considers important issues of ecological validity       
Collaborative Therapeutic Neuropsychological Assessment
A guide to making neuropsychological assessment a therapeutic endeavour, particularly useful for those who aren't entirely comfortable with giving feedback.  
Evidence of Absence: A Guide to Cognitive Assessment in Australia
An Australian book to finish off with. Eloquent, amusing, and informative, with an excellent chapter at the end about  six not-so-easy clinical dilemmas. Thanks Simon! **