Fractured Minds: A Case-Study Approach to Clinical Neuropsychology [Paperback]

Jenni A. Ogden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 27, 1996 | ISBN-10: 019508814X | ISBN-13: 978-0195088144

An introduction to clinical neuropsychology through case studies of adults that have suffered brain damage, this engaging collection conveys a sense of the courage, humor, and determination to triumph over disability that many "ordinary people" demonstrate when coping with the extraordinary stress of a brain disorder. Two introductory chapters on basic neuroanatomy, neuropsychological concepts, and assessment are followed by fourteen chapters focusing on different disorders. Each chapter features sections on background theory and neuropathology, in addition to a detailed case study. Some of the chapters highlight the clinical assessment and rehabilitation of disorders such as head injury, epilepsy, aphasia, neglect, and dementia, while others emphasize research-based assessment of less common disorders, such as amnesia and the inability to recognize faces. Common neuropsychological tests are described, and ethical, cultural, and other issues that confront health professionals working with neurological patients are discussed. This book is intended for students of clinical and neuropsychology, health professionals treating neurological patients, neurological patients and their families, and lay readers curious about the mind and brain.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From reviews of the first edition: "The most remarkable feature of this volume lies in the author's emphasis on bringing clinical practice back to neuropsychology. In this volume, clinical practice in neuropsychology goes beyond diagnostic evaluation. It is a discipline that sets its goals on improving the quality of life for patients and their families. It is...a book written with clarity and clinical sensitivity. Lecturers in introductory neuropsychology, abnormal psychology, or introductory psychology will find this volume a useful source for supplementary reading and a book students can enjoy." --Contemporary Psychology

"The book's goal is to provide the reader with a broad picture of clinical neuropsychology. Dr. Ogden's intent is that the book will serve as an introductory text in clinical neuropsychology that will capture the attention and interest of students without actually requiring them to 'learn how to do it.' It was written primarily for university and beginning graduate students, but it will also be of interest to health professionals who work with neurological patients..." --The American Journal of Psychiatry

"The selected cases are extremely well presented, rich in detail, and unmatched in the presentation of the human aspect of neurological disease. Dr. Ogden provides details of the person's premorbid history, the clinical presentations and history, medical findings, the methods of cognitive assessment, and specific test results...Her approach is systematic, logical and illustrates sound clinical reasoning. As a text, it would be a very strong supplement to a solid foundation in neuroscience." --Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society

About the Author

Jenni A. Ogden, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Auckland.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 27, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019508814X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195088144
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,302,995 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

After 24 years as a university professor and a clinician and researcher in the area of clinical neuropsychology, Dr. Jenni Ogden now writes full-time from her home on a remote and beautiful island off the coast of northern NZ. Here she is able to concentrate on a long-held dream of writing mainstream fiction, as well as a new book on clinical case studies "Trouble In Mind," to be published in February, 2012, by OUP, New York. It relates the stories of patients with both common and bizarre neuropsychological disorders - disorders familiar to readers of Oliver Sacks and readers of her own textbook, "Fractured Minds". Whilst "Fractured Minds" is written primarily for university and college students and neuropsychology professionals, "Trouble In Mind" is written at a level readily accessible to the lay reader -- without too much theory -- as well as undergraduate students in psychology and the health sciences generally. Read more about me, off-grid living, my books, reviews of books I am reading, and my blog on http://www.jenniogden.com. Read my neuropsychology blog on the PsychologyToday website.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish she had more books out there!, December 15, 1999

By 

Jennie Barber (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fractured Minds: A Case-Study Approach to Clinical Neuropsychology (Paperback)

Ms. Ogden's writing has a touch of Oliver Sacks-like quality. Not only does she describe each patient's clinical assessment in terms of scores on neuropsychological testing batteries, but she also describes the processes by which the patients cope with their medical problems and how they affect their lives. The patients are seen as human beings overcoming difficulties, rather than anonymous cases. A great book for those interested in clinical neuropsychology. This book was also be very useful as a text book, as it describes medically what's happening to each patient as well as how it affects them behaviorally on neuropsychological testing and socially in their everyday lives.