Neuropsychological services
What is neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology deals with the relationships between brain and behavior. Neuropsychologists perform assessments to characterize behavioral and cognitive changes resulting from some central nervous system disease or injury, such as ADHD, autism, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or another disorder. Neuropsychologists also focus on recovery or adaptation to these behavioral and mental changes and other symptoms.
What is a neuropsychological assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment is an assessment of how one’s brain works, which indirectly gives information about the brain’s structural and functional integrity. The neuropsychological assessment includes an interview and test administration. Tests are usually pencil and paper type tests. Some tasks may be self-reported meaning that they are completed by the patient, but the majority of tests require administration by a neuropsychologist.
Neuropsychological tests (as opposed to bedside cognitive and behavioral neurologic screens) are standardized, meaning they are given the same way to all patients and scored similarly each time. Although individual scores are important, the neuropsychologist looks at all the data from the assessment to determine a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses and, in turn, understand more about how the client is functioning.
Neuropsychological tests assess functioning in various areas such as: intelligence, executive functions, attention, memory, language, perception, sensorimotor functions, motivation, mood and emotion, quality of life, and personality. The areas examined in an individual’s assessment are determined by the referral request, the patient’s difficulties and symptoms, and observations made during the interview and administration of tests.
How long does a neuropsychological evaluation take?
A full assessment generally takes between two and five hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the issues to be addressed by the assessment and the patient’s condition (for example fatigue). Occasionally, it is necessary to complete the assessment in two or more sessions. At Nous therapy center, our team tries to extract the necessary information in the shortest possible time so that we can proceed with managing the difficulties of the patient immediately.
Why should someone get a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Neuropsychological assessment captures patterns of strengths and weaknesses across cognitive and behavioral functions. This evaluation and interpretation may:
- Assist in a differential diagnosis (eg, to determine whether potential mental and behavioral changes are related to a neurodevelopmental disorder, mood disorder, or other etiology).
- Assist in evaluation before and after the implementation of an intervention, to determine whether a given treatment is appropriate for a particular individual and whether the treatment had positive or negative effects on mental functions and behavior.
- Reveal areas of daily functioning with which the client may need help. For example, would the person benefit from certain cognitive or behavioral therapies, pharmacotherapy, or a combination?
Is there any way to prepare for a neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological assessment is not something one can study for, but there are many things one can do to facilitate the assessment. For example, having rested sufficiently before the test so that fatigue does not affect the cognitive tests. Also, in case the client has difficulty providing information about their history, it is helpful to have a family member or friend accompany them (for part of the clinical interview).
