Neuropsychology of Women: Considerations for Clinical Care & Research

Women have long been underrepresented in scientific research, which has limited our understanding of how they may be uniquely impacted by various medical, psychological, and neurocognitive conditions. Due to this limitation, neuropsychological training and practice has historically fallen short of acknowledging potential sex and gender differences and effectively incorporating this knowledge into evaluations and treatment recommendations. Fortunately, in recent years, contemporary research has begun to draw more focus on unique biopsychosocial factors impacting the epidemiology, presentation, neurocognitive profile, and treatment implications for women with neuropsychological concerns. In an age of increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of neuropsychology, compounded by the background of everchanging socio-political factors in the U.S. either supporting or opposing this focus, it is crucial that clinical neuropsychologists gain the knowledge and skills to provide individualized, gender-informed care to women patients. It is imperative for neuropsychology as a specialty to champion this initiative as leading experts in the intersection of cognition, mental health and disorders pertaining to the brain, which has the potential to inform clinical practice and research in related fields such as medicine and neuroscience.