Medical and Laboratory Examinations for Neuropsychologists: A Clinical Guide

While clinical neuropsychologists are well-versed in the cognitive and behavioral assessment of brain functioning, they are increasingly expected to integrate findings from laboratory and medical diagnostics into their evaluations and case conceptualizations. Few neuropsychologists, however, receive formal training in interpreting such data, despite the ubiquitous nature of such examinations in clinical practice. Medical and Laboratory Examinations for Neuropsychologists is a practical reference designed to bridge this critical gap in neuropsychological training and clinical practice. This volume equips neuropsychologists with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand and apply neurodiagnostic information in clinical contexts. Chapters cover a range of essential topics, including the interpretation of laboratory values related to thyroid function, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, infectious diseases, hormonal abnormalities, and metabolic disturbances. Beyond lab testing, the book provides an in-depth look at key neurodiagnostic procedures such as EEG, MRI, CT, PET, lumbar puncture, genetic testing, sleep studies, and comprehensive neurological examinations. Each chapter offers concise, clinically relevant guidance to help neuropsychologists better understand how abnormal findings relate to brain health, support differential diagnosis, and inform treatment planning. Designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy and interdisciplinary communication, this resource equips practitioners with the knowledge needed to integrate neurodiagnostic data into evidence-based neuropsychological practice. Written by leading experts in neuropsychology and neurodiagnostics, this book is an essential resource for practitioners, trainees, and educators who aim to enhance their diagnostic accuracy and interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating neurodiagnostic data with cognitive assessment, neuropsychologists can play a more informed and impactful role in patient care.

About the Author

Thomas J. Farrer is an assistant professor and the associate program director of the School of Health and Medical Professions at the University of Idaho. He holds a PhD in clinical psychology, postdoctoral training in neuropsychology, and postdoctoral master's degrees in clinical research and clinical psychopharmacology. He is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist (ABCN/ABPP), and he previously served as faculty at Duke University. His research focuses on cognitive aging, neuroimaging, dementia risk, and neuroepidemiology. R. Brock Frost is associate faculty in the University of New Mexico School of Medicine's Rural Family Medicine Residency (Santa Fe) and practices at Christus St. Vincent. He holds a PhD in clinical psychology, postdoctoral training in neuropsychology, and a postdoctoral MS in clinical psychopharmacology. He is board certified in clinical neuropsychology (ABCN/ABPP) and previously served as faculty at the University of Utah. His clinical and research interests include psychopharmacology, ADHD, aging and dementia, and neuroimaging.