Neuropsychology in India

Objective: This is an invited paper for a special issue with the objective to provide information on neuropsychology in India. Method: Information was gathered from a literature search and personal communication with professionals working in the field of neuropsychology. Results: Neuropsychology as a specialization started in India approximately 40 years ago. The early years witnessed the use of Western tools for assessing patients with organic brain damage. Subsequent years saw the development of indigenous tools for use with the vast majority of the Indian population and also a few Western tests adapted to suit the needs of the unique Indian clientele. The starting of the Neuropsychology unit at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore in 1975 resulted in changing of the course of training and practice of Neuropsychology. The field of assessments has witnessed indigenous tests being developed, while rehabilitation programs have brought about a decline in cognitive deficits in several clinical conditions. Currently, work within the field of neuropsychology has focused on child, geriatric, acquired brain injury, and forensic populations with a development of unique rehabilitations to suit needs of several clinical conditions. However, there are very few neuropsychologists in the country, and only one nodal training center, which limits the availability of training to the large population of the country. Conclusion: Despite the shortcomings, the field of neuropsychology has received much attention in the recent years with the number of referrals and professionals increasing.     

Neuropsychology in Mexico

Objective: This invited paper explores the diverse pathways that have led to the development of neuropsychology in Mexico. Method: The authors conducted a review of the literature and their own experiences to describe the seminal events and people relevant to the development of this area of research and practice. Results: The master’s degree is the usual level of educational attainment for those who wish to practice clinical neuropsychology. As of now, there is not a board certification process in neuropsychology, although there is one in clinical psychology. Conclusions: Neuropsychology and other mental health disciplines in Mexico and Latin America have historically been poorly funded, and have lacked optimal means of communication as to research findings and clinical initiatives and standards. However, there is reason to think that this will be improved upon in coming years.     

Neuropsychology qua interface

Abstract

This paper focusses on the multidisciplinary nature and requirements of neuropsychology. It illustrates two approaches to this convergence of neuropsychology its complementary disciplines: the relationship between the dissociated visualperceptual and spatial disorders consequent upon focal lesions of the rightr cerebral hmisphere in man and the evidence (neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioural) of two major cortico-cortical pathways for processing visual information in monkey; and the evolution of information-processing models (derived from cognitive psychology, linguistics, and pathophysiological data) to delineate the functional architecture of reading and speech production. It cites the study of attention and frontal-lobe function as a major target for research; and it invokes the need to encompass the art of medicine in neuropsychological research and practice.     

Neuropsychology qua interface

This paper focuses on the multidisciplinary nature and requirements of neuropsychology. It illustrates two approaches to this convergence of neuropsychology and its complementary disciplines: the relationship between the dissociated visual-perceptual and spatial disorders consequent upon focal lesions of the right cerebral hemisphere in man and the evidence (neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioural) of two major cortico-cortical pathways for processing visual information in monkey; and the evolution of information-processing models (derived from cognitive psychology, linguistics, and pathophysiological data) to delineate the functional architecture of reading and speech production. It cites the study of attention and frontal-lobe function as a major target for research; and it invokes the need to encompass the art of medicine in neuropsychological research and practice.     

Neuropsychology of autism

Childhood autism is a syndrome characterized by a triad of abnormalities in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and imaginative activity. It is clinically heterogeneous, however, and probably represents a family of syndromes, each of which is the result of a different but related type of brain dysfunction. So far, there is no direct evidence for involvement of particular brain systems, although analogies to other disorders in humans and experimental animals do allow some plausible hypotheses.     

Neuropsychology of bipolar disorders

In this article the contribution of neuropsychological research for a better understanding of the psychopathology of mood disorders is reviewed. First, the broad spectrum of bipolar disorders is described. Second, a selective review of important results of neuropsychological studies with patients with mood disorders is presented. Although several methodological problems limit the interpretation of the findings, there is evidence that patients with a bipolar disorder show a consistent impairment in attention, memory/learning and executive functions. The cognitive deficits are still visible during clinical recovery (euthymia) and closely associated with psychosocial limitation in daily life. Finally, the impact of neuropsychological findings is considered in relation to assessment, treatment and prognosis.     

Internet Resources for Neuropsychology

The Internet has become a widespread and important tool for sharing information throughout the world. Neuropsychologists are now able to communicate with colleagues, conduct literature searches, obtain articles and locate up-to-date clinical and research findings through this medium. This article provides some basic information about this technology and includes a list of over 150 sites on the World Wide Web of substantial interest to neuropsychologists.