A Non-Pocket Handbook of Clinical Neuropsychology

Abstract

The stated intent of this rather hefty book is to “provide a readily available handbook for neuropsychology interns, fellows, and practicing clinicians,” with a focus on the “major differential diagnoses that neuropsychologists are routinely asked to make,” particularly in a hospital-based neuropsychological practice. These are optimistic goals that are frequently, although not always, fulfilled. The editors are to be commended for their success in organizing a knowledgeable and erudite group of contributors, who generally have conformed to the recommended stylistic and content guidelines. However, as is typical of most edited works, the stated intent(s) of the book are rather unevenly addressed in both the scope of the included topics and by the various authors. The book includes 30 chapters divided into five sections: General Issues (101 pp.), Pediatric Psychology (64 pp.), Geriatric Psychology (66 pp.), Neurological Disorders (159 pp.), and Neuropsychological Syndromes (225 pp.), and an appendix of medical abbreviations. The result is a not-so-brief handbook that is useful as a desk reference guide for students, interns, fellows, and nonneuropsychological clinicians working with neurological patients. For experienced neuropsychologists, the book is likely to be of less value due to its intentionally brief reviews of most topics.