The Neuropsychology of Women

Book excerpt: The “Diversity in Clinical Neuropsychology” series is designed to highlight cultural and moderator variables involved in the study of brain-behavior relationships. Historically, the study of psychology and neuropsychology has focused on the male brain being the standard to which all or most variables are considered. The study of sex differences is perhaps the most provoking and far-reaching aspect of diversity because frequently women have unique assessment and treatment needs. For example, frontal lobe functioning tends to be more contextual for women than for men. These brain functions have behavioral counterparts that directly relate to how interventions may be tailor made to suit the female rather than male patient. The goal in neuropsychology is always to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes, and a cohesive summary of the neuropsychology of the female brain would raise awareness and cultural competency of clinicians in neuropsychology. Authors will focus on sex differences in the neuropsychological, cognitive, and development literature; ethnic and socioeconomic variables affecting diagnosis and treatment of women; and social/emotional and behavioral manifestations of neuropsychological sex differences.