What IS neuropsychologY?
Neuropsychology focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. Neuropsychologists are doctoral-level clinical psychologists with multiple years of specialty training and experience in clinical neuropsychology. They focus on the evaluation of behavioral and cognitive changes that result from disease or injury. Neuropsychologists may also focus on interventions associated with brain behavior difficulties, such as rehabilitation or learning how to adapt and accommodate to cognitive, behavioral, and mental health changes.
What a neuropsychological evaluation can help with
Neuropsychological evaluations can provide diagnostic information, often used to clarify a diagnosis. For example, a neuropsychologist can provide information that can help determine whether a change in behavior or cognition is related to a disease process, a mental health condition (e.g., depression), or other factors. Assessments are often used to identify a neurodegenerative syndrome (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal Dementia). A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment can provide a baseline against which subsequent assessments can be compared when determining any functional declines as a result of a disease process. An evaluation is often conducted before and following neurosurgery (e.g., deep brain stimulation) or other medical procedure to assist with determining any functional changes.
In general, an evaluation helps to determine the integrity of cognitive functions. Specific areas of functioning are examined to identify the presence, nature, and severity of any dysfunction. Characterizing cognitive functioning can:
Help elucidate areas of daily functioning with which a person needs assistance (e.g., financial management)
Help families and caregivers know how to best support the person and adjust to meet their needs; and help overall with treatment planning for the cognitive disorder and/or the psychological adjustment to it (e.g., identifying other support services based on the patient’s profile).
Help individuals curious about their own cognitive functioning with an interest in optimizing their potential, such as identifying a new career path or understanding their functioning in some areas of their life (school, work, relationships).