Connecticut Neuropsychological
Society
Answers to Questions About Neuropsychological Evaluation
What is Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment
of cognitive and behavioral functions using a set of standardized tests
and procedures. Various mental functions are systematically tested,
including:
- Intelligence
- Problem solving and conceptualization
- Planning and organization
- Attention, memory, and learning
- Academic Skills
- Perceptual and motor abilities
- Emotions, behavior, and personality
Who is qualified to conduct a Neuropsychological
Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation can only be done by a psychologist
who has had specialized training and experience, which include:
- Predoctoral training in psychology and neuropsychology
- Formal postdoctoral training focusing on brain-behavior
relationships and neuropsychological assessment
- Expertise in specialized techniques of assessment
and interpretation
When is a Neuropsychological Evaluation
needed?
Neuropsychological evaluation is recommended for any case
in which brain-based impairment in cognitive function or behavior is suspected.
Typical referrals are made to diagnose or rule out the following conditions,
and to describe their impact on a person's cognitive functioning:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Strokes
- Developmental learning disabilities
- Attention deficit disorders
- Psychiatric or neuropsychiatric
disorders
- Seizure disorders
- Medical illness or treatments
- Effects of toxic chemicals
or chronic substance abuse
- Dementing conditions (e.g.,
Alzheimer's)
Neuropsychological evaluation is particularly useful for
tracking progress in rehabilitation after brain injury or other neurological
disease. Neuropsychological evaluation can assist greatly in planning
educational and vocational programs. It can also be invaluable for
disability determination or for forensic (legal) purposes.
Are all Neuropsychological Evaluations
the same?
No. A neuropsychological evaluation is not a fixed series
of tests which anyone can give. Specialized training allows the neuropsychologist
to select, administer, and interpret the particular tests and procedures
which will yield the most comprehensive understanding of an individual's
strengths and weaknesses. Each neuropsychological examination is tailored
to the needs of the individual client.
What is an exam like?
- Involves a wide variety of tasks, most of which are
done sitting at a table. There are no invasive procedures, no pain,
no needles, or electrodes. Often takes 6 to 8 hours of face-to-face
contact; can vary widely, depending on what information is sought.
- Can be scheduled in a single appointment or in a series
of appointments.
How are the test results used?
That depends on the reason for the evaluation. Neuropsychological
evaluations may:
- Confirm or clarify a diagnosis.
- Provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses to guide
rehabilitation, educational, vocational, or other services.
- Document changes in functioning since prior examinations,
including effects of treatment.
- Clarify what compensatory strategies would help.
- Result in referrals to other specialists, such as educational
therapists, cognitive rehabilitation professionals, neurologists, psychiatrists,
social workers, nurses, special education teachers, or vocational counselors.
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