Neuropsychological disorders across the lifespan: Overview and implications

Neuropsychological disorders vary in prevalence, base rates, types of impairments, and functional changes over the course of a person’s lifespan, with different immediate and late effects as well as expected outcomes. This article provides an overview of the important issues, concepts, and processes involved in a lifespan approach to understanding and managing neurobehavioral disorders from birth to death. Brief case examples of children and adults with attention-def-icit/hyperactivity disorder and traumatic brain injury illustrate the effects and needs of patients with developmental and acquired disorders at different ages and phases in life. It is hoped that practitioners can benefit from using a lifespan perspective whether the focus is on pediatric, adult, or geriatric conditions.