The dopamine transfer deficit model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is compared and contrasted with the existing dynamic developmental theory and the extended temporal difference (TD) model. The first two both identify learning deficits as a key problem in ADHD, but this mechanism would seem at least as likely to cause other…

Discusses development of cognitive rehabilitation therapy (which attempts to address intervention needs of traumatically brain-injured child), particular concerns at various stages of patients' recovery, some fundamental principles of treatment, and framework for viewing cognition functionally. Considers questions clinicians ask and strategies for…

Describes effects that brain-injured patient may have on family system and kinds of reactions typically seen in family members. Describes strategies of family therapy in brain injury, including education, supportive counseling, and more intensive family therapy modalities. Considers goals and outcomes of family therapy with this group and offers…

Alcohol abuse is linked strongly with neuropsychological deficits that may resemble deficits seen in head-injured individuals. Heavy daily drinking appears more damaging than episodic abusive consumption. Cognitive deficits associated with alcohol include abstraction, perceptuospatial, and problem-solving skills. For alcoholics younger than 40,…

Notes that prenatal exposure to cocaine may result in broad range of deficits. Reviews pharmacological properties of cocaine critical to neurological and behavioral outcomes. Delineates specific multilevel and multidisciplinary interventions with family unit. Advocates that services for each child be based on individual strengths and weaknesses…

Reports that people who are predominantly left-handed apparently are able to withstand moderate brain damage with relatively few of the motor problems observed in right-handed victims of brain damage. Other brain-related differences between left- and right-handed individuals are also noted. (JN)

Describes Tourette syndrome, a chronic, neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscular movements, uncontrollable sounds, and inappropriate words. Notes that Tourette syndrome is frequently misunderstood and mistreated, presents symptoms, and suggests a multidimensional approach to treatment. (Author/NB)

Gazzaniga argues that without language right hemisphere cognition is vastly limited and that most normal right hemispheres have no language and only "rudimentary cognition." These assertion ignore important nonlinguistic observations, as well as findings with hemispheric sodium amytal anesthesia and laterality effects for complex cognitive tasks…

Notes that, in rehabilitation, denial can motivate individuals to work on behavioral sequelae of neurological deficits or it can impede rehabilitation by impairing one's ability to acknowledge sequelae. Reviews effect of denial and describes management strategy to address denial. (Author/NB)

Follows clinical course of older adult with dementing illness. Through patient's art therapy work, attempts to corroborate patient's behavior and performance with clinical and medical tests. This information is then related to present-day knowledge of brain dysfunction and impairment and to autopsy findings. Discusses role of art therapy for this…

Presents case of engineering college student who, after automobile accident, three months in coma, and four years of rehabilitation therapy, is seeking career counseling due to his frustrations with obtaining full-time professional employment. Notes that client had difficulty remembering new information; was physically slow; was mentally slower…

Although it occurs only infrequently in split brain patients, right hemisphere linguistic competence ranges from simple comprehensive skills to a system that can both recognize written and spoken language and produce speech. Such patients are also valuable for the study of global mechanisms, such as those underlying the sense of conscious unity.…

This article briefly discusses the use of amphetamines in the treatment of hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction. (JMF)

Contends distinction between normal and abnormal aging of the brain changes as data emerge which identify as pathology what had previously been considered the norm. Reviews research on effects of aging in twins begun in 1940s, focusing on facts related to intellectual decline, neuropsychological test performance relationship to dementia, and…

Reviews developmental changes in children's acquisition of death concepts and in their emotional reactions. Discusses moderating variables that may affect nature of grieving processes after parental or sibling death. Reviews pragmatic issues regarding bereavement and mourning in children with acquired brain injuries and illustrates issues by means…