Neuropsychological Assessment

Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationships. Cognitive testing provides objective data regarding attention, mental processing speed, memory, language, visuospatial ability, problem-solving, and executive functions. Mood, behavior, and personality are also assessed by self-report questionnaires, interview, and behavioral observations.

How are neuropsychological evaluations useful? Evaluations can assess the degree of cognitive impairment, individuals’ effort, and psychiatric issues. They can also provide differential diagnosis of clinical presentations and answer other questions pertinent to the referral.

What do assessments involve? Record review and collateral information are integrated with testing data. Results are interpreted in a report that is written in understandable language. Forensic evaluations usually involve a comprehensive record review and thorough assessment of effort or response bias. Attorneys and referral sources may be consulted in order to address specific questions.

Do all individuals receive the same exact tests? No, the testing battery is tailored and adjusted to the specific referral questions and the needs of the individual being evaluated.