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Neuropsychological Assessment of Gays and Lesbians

  • Chapter
Handbook of Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology

Part of the book series: Critical Issues in Neuropsychology ((CINP))

Abstract

The study of the neuropsychological aspects of gays and lesbians is in its infancy. Currently there is no research on this group in terms of differences in brain structure or neurochemistry. They are a group of people embedded in all cultures, races, and ethnic groups. The sexual orientation of the individual makes no difference in the neuropsychological results; however, when the assessment is completed and the results are provided to the individual and his or her support system(s), the sexual orientation of the client may have a profound effect on the outcome of treatment. The specific external Stressors that affect homosexuals will influence how this information will be assimilated into their lives. This chapter will explore and address the complex issues of neuropsychological assessment of gays and lesbians and how psycho-social issues affect the neuropsychological assessment. It is suggested that the clinician go beyond the traditional assessment procedures and explore with the client and their support system(s) how their sexual orientation will affect the assessment and rehabilitation.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-4225, USA

    Pamilla C. Morales

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  1. Pamilla C. Morales
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Northern Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

    Elaine Fletcher-Janzen

  2. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Tony L. Strickland

  3. UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Tony L. Strickland

  4. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA

    Cecil R. Reynolds

  5. Bastrop Mental Health Associates, Bastrop, Texas, USA

    Cecil R. Reynolds

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© 2000 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Morales, P.C. (2000). Neuropsychological Assessment of Gays and Lesbians. In: Fletcher-Janzen, E., Strickland, T.L., Reynolds, C.R. (eds) Handbook of Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology. Critical Issues in Neuropsychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4219-3_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4219-3_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6894-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-4219-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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