Advanced Assessment:
Neuropsychological - Trimester II
Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations
Wright Institute, Spring Trimester 2007
DISCLAIMER: This section is restricted to the use of students enrolled in class with me. If you are currently taking my class, you can access course syllabi online to keep track of required readings and powerpoint presentations from many of my lectures.
INSTRUCTOR: Michael DeBellis, Psy.D.
ADDRESS: 2154 4th St. San Rafael, CA 94901
PHONE: (415) 457-3451
E-MAIL: mikedebellis@mac.com
CAMPUS OFFICE: As arranged
COURSE TIME: Wednesday 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
COURSE LOCATION: Room 001 (Basement)
PREREQUISITES: Biological Bases of Behavior and
Second Year Assessment Series
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is the first series in a three-trimester course sequence in clinical neuropsychology. During the first trimester students will develop further familiarity with neuroanatomy. These important lectures will then apply this knowledge to test instruments, interpretation of test results and diagnostic implications. Special attention will be given to topics such as dementia, the HRNB, disorders of memory and attention, and cognitive rehabilitation.
EVALUATING STUDENT LEARNING:
Neuroanatomy Exam (“take home”) 40%
Active Class Participation 10%
Take Home Final Exam 30%
Case Presentation 10%
Class Attendance 10%
Poor performance in any of the above may result in additional assignments to make up.
READING LIST:
Required Texts:
Strub, R. & Black, F. (1993). The Mental Status Examination in Neurology (Third Edition), Philedelphia: F.D. Davis Company (memorize this)
Lezak, M.D. (1995). Neuropsychological Assessment (3rd Ed.). New York: Oxford University Press
(difficult but important text)
Blumenfeld, H. (2001) Neuroanatomy through Clinical Cases. Massachusetts: Sinauer
Associates Inc. (excellent source for learning neuroanatomy)
Recommended Additional Texts:
Gertz, S.D. (1999). Liberman’s Neuroanatomy Made Easy and Understandable (6th Edition). Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers, Inc. (highly recommended)
Gupta, K. (1997). Human Brain Coloring Workbook. New York: Random House, Inc.
Heilman, K., & Valenstein, E. (Eds.) (1993). Clinical Neuropsychology (3rd Edition). New York: Oxford University Press.
Loring D. W. (Ed.). (1999). INS Dictionary of Neuropsychology New York: Oxford University Press
Reitan, R. M., & Wolfson, D. (1992). Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology: A Clinical guide for Neuropsychologists.
Sidman, R., & Sidman, M. (1965). Neuroanatomy (3rd Edition). New York: Oxford University Press
Some Relevant Journals
Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology
The Clinical Neuropsychologist
Journal of Forensic Neuropsychology
Neuropsychiatry, Neuropsychology, and Behavioral Neurology
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology Review
Major Organizations for Clinical Neuropsychologists
If you are pursuing a career as a clinical neuropsychologist it is highly recommended that you become a member of one or more of these organizations. Those in italics are most relevant to this course. These organizations fund conferences and seminars which are a valuable addition to the lectures you will attend during this course.
American Academy of Neurology
Northern California Neuropsychology Consortium
American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology
American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN)
Society for Behavioral Neurology
American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABPN)
Society for Neuroscience
American Psychological Association Division (40) Clinical Neuropsychology
The Charles A. Dana Foundation
European College of Neuropsychopharmacology
American Society of Neuroradiology
The International Neuropsychological Society
Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN)
National Academy of Neuropsychology
Brain Injury Association
British Psychophysiology Society
National Foundation for Brain Research
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
COURSE OUTLINE BY WEEK:
January 3 Neuropsychology Case Review Handout
Strub and Black, MSE 6
January 10 Halstead-Reitan NB I Reitan Wolfson Chapter 6
Strub and Black, MSE 7
January 17 Halstead-Reitan NB II Review Handout
Strub and Black, MSE 8
January 24 Halstead-Reitan NB III Review Handout
Strub and Black, MSE 9
January 31 Case using the HRNB None
February 7 Disorders of Attention Review Handout
Strub and Black, MSE 11
February 14 Kaplan-Baycrest NA guest, Dr. Richardson
February 21 Dementia I Journal Article
February 28 Dementia II Review HRNB Handout
March 7 Neuropsychology Case None
March 14 NEPSY guest, Dr. Prieto
Review Handout
March 21 Cognitive Rehabilitation Review Handout
Final Examination
March 28 Neuropsychology Case Work on Exams
April 4 Review and Final Exam Due None
Instructor Evaluations
An Additional Note:
As we progress into the first series this academic year, group presentations are mandatory. Students with an interest in an area which pertains to neuropsychology are strongly encouraged to present a 10-20 minute presentation for the class. This also applies to relevant neuropsychological cases which you encounter in your training. This is a great opportunity to get comprehensive feedback about your work.
In addition to presenting your work in class, you are all encouraged to set up an appointment to meet with me at my practice to observe myself conducting an assessment. While this is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. If you are interested you can contact Angela at the number listed above so that we can set up a time to meet.