Female Brain, The 2nd Ed.

Description: The first edition of The Female Brain laid the groundwork for gaining a better understanding of the female brain, examining the evidence for structural and functional differences between the brains of males and females. Addressing a wealth of new research, the second edition continues in this vein, leading readers through the basic principles of anatomy and physiology and on to the complex behavioral functions which constitute the workings of the normal and abnormal female brain. Examines Questions about Structural and Functional Differences The book addresses the question of structural and functional differences between the female brain and the male brain. Are there differences? How good is the evidence? Where do the differences lie? Are there differences in the neuroanatomy of females, and if so, where? Do females and males process information differently, and if so, how? The author puts the relative lack of information on the female brain into historical perspective and reviews empirical evidence relevant to the different aspects of brain structure and function. She elucidates laterality, the functional asymmetry of the brain, the left brain-right brain distinctions, and how they differ between females and males. A Clear Presentation and Evaluation of Medical and Scientific Evidence Filled with rigorous scientific analysis in an easily accessible format and detailed explanatory diagrams, the book systematically develops the topic from anatomy to behavior. It draws on current research to explain why men and women behave differently and why these differences should be exploited when designing research and clinical studies. Table of Contents: Introduction The Male and His Muse The Rules Bibliography and Recommended Readings A Historical Perspective The Rise of Modern Science Conclusions Bibliography and Recommended Readings Brain Structure: The Architecture of Difference Development of the Brain Sexual Dimorphism in the CNS Regional Differences Evidence from Other Species Structural Changes in the Adult Brain Conclusions Bibliography and Recommended Readings Functional Differences: Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators Estrogen, Progesterone, Androgens, and Their Receptors in the CNS Methods for Identifying Receptors in the CNS Estrogen Receptors Progesterone Receptors 'The Knockout Model' GABA. Serotonin Dopamine Cannabinoids Measures of Global Function Evidence from EEG Studies Evidence from Evoked Potential Studies Evidence from Scan Studies Conclusions Bibliography and Recommended Readings Perception and Cognition IQ: When Is a Difference Not a Difference? Visual Perception Color: Perception and Preference Auditory Perception The Senses of Smell and Taste A Word about Touch Numbers and Sums Memory Conclusions Bibliography and Recommended Readings Laterality Parallel Processing and Hemispheric Advantage Understanding Language Emotion and Laterality Laterality, the Menstrual Cycle, and Hemispheric Advantage Two Theoretical Perspectives on Laterality Bibliography and Recommended Readings Neurology, Psychiatry, and the Female Brain Neurology Psychiatry Conclusions Bibliography and Recommended Readings Drugs and Drug Effects Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Drug Entry into the CNS Drug Administration in Pregnancy and Lactation Drug Treatment of Neurological Disorders Drug Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders The Non-Therapeutic Use of Drugs Conclusions Bibliography and Recommended Readings Into the Twenty-First Century The Story to Date Pregnancy and the Brain Instructions for Using the Female Brain Pursuing the Future Changing the Outcomes Bibliography and References Index Author Biography: University of Otago, Dunedin, NewZealand