The last ten years has witnessed an explosion in the understanding of the neurochemical and neurophysiological processes that underlie behavior. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of many psychiatric disorders has increased as well. Clinicians are now faced with the overwhelming challenge of the need to keep up with the flood of basic neuroscientific knowledge that appears monthly in scientific journals, as well as the need to assimilate it with an ever-increasing number of reports in the clinical journals that identify structural and biochemical abnormalities associated with clinical disorders. The gap that has always existed between the basic science of neuroanatomy and clinical behavioral science seems to be widening at an increasing rate.

Although the current level of knowledge of behavior and psychopathology does not necessitate a detailed understanding of all neuroanatomy, a basic level of some neuroanatomical knowledge is necessary. Familiarity with those brain regions that are heavily implicated in both normal and abnormal behavior will help the clinician assimilate new knowledge as the field evolves. As the clinician becomes more aware of the structure and function of the behaviorally sensitive regions of the brain, the concept that brain abnormalities can produce the symptomatology that is seen in the clinic becomes progressively more understandable.

Currently available neuroanatomy books are written with the neurologist in mind. Emphasis is placed on the neuroanatomy that is examined during a standard neurological exam.