The authors describe methods for conducting a thorough assessment of
functions subserved by the frontal lobes, employing both bedside and
psychometric methods of assessing frontal subsystems. Qualitative or
process aspects of frontal behavior observable from formal testing,
interview, and social behavior are noted. It is argued that the skilled
clinician must be guided by a knowledge of frontal lobe subsystems and
their roles in determining specific types of abnormal behavior. The
clinician will then be alert to changes in incidental behaviors that
indicate frontal impairment, and bedside maneuvers can be designed to
discriminate dysfunction. Given the complexity of the behaviors involved
and the profound effects of maturation and aging on frontal functions,
neuropsychological assessment can provide an invaluable tool for testing
these functions.Abstract Teaser