Fractured Minds: A Case-Study Approach to Clinical Neuropsychology

By Jenni Ogden

Book Overview

Fractured Minds introduces the reader to clinical neuropsychology through vivid case descriptions of adults who have suffered brain damage. At one level, this is a book about the courage, humor, and determination to triumph over illness and disability that many "ordinary people" demonstrate when coping with the extraordinary stress of a brain disorder. On another level, it is a well-referenced and up-to-date textbook that provides a holistic view of the practice of clinical neuropsychology. Included are reader-friendly descriptions and explanations of a wide range of neurological disorders and neuroscientific concepts. Two introductory chapters are followed by 17 chapters that each focus on a specific disorder and include research, clinical assessment, rehabilitation, and a detailed case study. Disorders range across the full spectrum from common ones such as traumatic brain injury and dementia, to rare disorders such as autotopagnosia. Each of the 16 chapters retained from the first edition has been revised to reflect current research and clinical advances. Three new chapters on multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease incorporate discussion of important current topics such as genetically-transmitted diseases, genetic counseling, gene transplantation, functional neurosurgery, and the complex ethical issues that go hand-in-hand with these new techniques. This informative and engaging book will be of interest to students of clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and neurology, health professionals who work with neurological patients, neurological patients and their families, and lay readers who are simply fascinated by the mind and brain.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195171365
• ISBN13: 9780195171365
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.1" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Interesting and very informative

For several years, I have used this book for an undergraduate class I teach on Neuropsychology. The chapters, which each focus on a distinct type of brain damage or disorder, are well written and a relatively easy read. They also do an excellent job of covering the science of what causes each type of damage and why the damage impacts behavior the way that it does. My students seem to really enjoy each chapter and Ogden's discussion of her patients stimulate a great deal of discussion in class. I find Ogden's coverage to be more comprehensive and detailed than Oliver Sacks but she is certainly no less interesting to read.

I wish she had more books out there!

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.