ASSESSMENT OF FRONTAL-LOBE FUNCTIONS

The authors describe methods for conducting a thorough assessment of f unctions subserved by the frontal lobes, employing both bedside and ps ychometric methods of assessing frontal subsystems. Qualitative or pro cess aspects of frontal behavior observable from formal testing, inter view, and social behavior are noted. It is argued that the skilled cli nician must be guided by a knowledge of frontal lobe subsystems and th eir roles in determining specific types of abnormal behavior. The clin ician will then be alert to changes in incidental behaviors that indic ate frontal impairment, and bedside maneuvers can be designed to discr iminate dysfunction. Given the complexity of the behaviors involved an d the profound effects of maturation and aging on frontal functions, n europsychological assessment can provide an invaluable tool for testin g these functions.