The field of neuropsychology studies how mental and behavioral processes are influenced by brain health. The objection neuropsychological evaluation looks at how well the brain is functioning after a brain injury, or because of a suspected affliction. This type of assessment analyzes different mental and behavioral processes to make a diagnosis for treatment.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological assessment is a test that determines how effectively a person’s brain is functioning. Reading, language use, attention, learning, processing speed, reasoning, memory, problem-solving, mood and personality are among the skills that are evaluated.
The evaluation helps to determine the severity of any cognitive dysfunction and the best type of treatment. It can provide a guide to monitoring future changes in abilities, mood, and personality, including treatment effects. The assessment gauges neurological and psychiatric disorders and identifies psychological factors such as depression that contribute to cognitive dysfunction.
When is a neuropsychological evaluation for adults needed?
A few quick tests could be useful in determining the cause of your difficulties focusing or making judgments. A neurological examination is typically required when there is a clear change in memory or reasoning. They aid medical professionals in establishing if there is a disease, brain damage, a mental disorder, or typical ageing-related brain changes.
What areas are covered by neuropsychological testing?
Doctors go through a series and activities to assess memory, cognition, verbal communication, motor skills, hearing and vision, attention, level of concentration, perception, and decision-making skills. The results of a battery of these tests are then compared to the expected levels of functioning given the subject’s age, gender, and history.
To guarantee that the evaluation truly reflects brain function, active engagement and sustained effort are required by the patient. Given the significance of a precise diagnosis, it is important test performance is not affected by inadequate effort or exaggerated symptoms.
What to expect from a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological test does not entail any painful, physical process nor does it need to be studied for, but it helps to understand what to expect from the assessment.
The night before
Prior to your meeting, complete any questionnaires and bring them with you. Get a good night’s sleep and avoid alcohol the night before as both affect how you think. Due to the lengthy nature of the evaluation, eat before the appointment. Taking normal prescription meds as directed on a regular basis is usually permitted although it is best not to take any optional drugs that make you sleepy.
Medical history
A full medical history, including prior brain scans and other neuropsychological examinations, as well as details of all medications, will need to be provided. Having a complete medical history on hand will assist the medical practitioner in better understanding your health, spot trends, and making better choices to prevent disease or health problems.
During the assessment
The evaluation typically starts with an in-depth interview with the neuropsychologist. The test is a non-intrusive procedure that involves finishing a variety of written and verbal activities while seated at a table. These exams may be administered using paper and pencil or a computer, and a neuropsychologist and a certified psychometrist conduct the testing.
The neuropsychologist analyses all the data to identify a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The complaints and symptoms discussed during the initial interview will also be used to identify problem areas in the neuropsychological evaluation.
Exam duration
The testing may take 3 to 6 hours, or longer depending on the severity of issues related to fatigue or confusion. It depends on how at ease you are and the rate at which you and the psychometrist can go through all the questions. The clinician will try to elicit the best possible performance from you under optimal conditions. Generally, there are breaks during longer sessions and in some cases, more than one visit may be required.
After the assessment
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled with the neuropsychologist to review findings, impressions, and specific recommendations. Once the assessment results are communicated, the right strategies and treatment can be established, which could include rehabilitation or psychotherapy where you can work with the relevant therapists.
What does a neuropsychological evaluation tell you?
The neuropsychologist will review the test results after they are completed and compile a report. A diagnosis and recommendations for care, if any, will be included. Based on the individual’s particular history and test results, the neuropsychologist compiles a report that is communicated to both you and the referring doctor.
The purpose of the evaluation is to provide an overview of your current state of brain health, as well as thinking and behavior. The functioning of the brain is examined for a range of skills that determines the type of treatment prescribed. It also enables you to make healthy and wise decisions that will impact your future mental and physical health.
