What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

What Is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

Gail Harrison

A neuropsychology evaluation assesses a variety of issues, and it is important to know if this evaluation is the right fit for you. The reasons one would typically seek an evaluation are the following: stroke history, traumatic brain injury (TBI), cognitive decline, an accident that caused a head concussion, and a diagnosis of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological diseases. It’s important to seek immediate assistance if you believe that you are experiencing these symptoms.

There are a multitude of factors that may indicate a need for a neuropsychological evaluation, which include emotional and physical symptoms. Emotional symptoms typically include: unexplained behavior, mood swings and personality changes, depression and delusions. Physical signs and symptoms may manifest as: difficulty reading and writing or communicating, poor cognitive abilities (like attention and concentration), changes in memory, confusion, decreased language comprehension, poor judgment and decision making, trouble recognizing people, difficulty staying organizing and accomplishing tasks, and decreased alertness. If you notice these changes in yourself or a loved one, see a doctor. You (or a loved one) may need a neuropsychological evaluation.

A common question asked is, “What does a neuropsychological exam look like?” The evaluation will typically take a few hours to complete, so make sure you block out enough time in your schedule, and make sure you sleep well the night before! “Your medical, psychological, vocational, and educational history will be reviewed, as well as any evaluations and questionnaires you may have completed prior to your appointment. Some providers might request copies of past academic, psychological, and neuropsychological testing.” Make sure you complete all the necessary paperwork before your appointment, and if needed, to your evaluation. A few tests might be done throughout your evaluation in order to assess your memory, cognition, verbal communication, and motor skills. After the evaluation, the tests will be assessed to determine your strengths and weaknesses. It is impossible to fail the tests, but it is important to try your best in order to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and ensure that the evaluation is accurate. This way, your treatment team can guarantee that you receive the best possible care.

There are many benefits that stem from receiving a neuropsychological evaluation. Once the assessment is completed, you would receive: referrals for treatment, understanding the issue at hand, and a “comprehensive report of the results of your evaluation, which assists your providers in figuring the best treatment methods, solutions, and interventions to decrease your symptoms.”

Not only are evaluations important, but it is important to know which one is right for you. There are three main types of evaluations: neuropsychological, psychological, and psychoeducational.

1. A neuropsychological evaluation deals with injuries and diseases of the central nervous system, and is a comprehensive evaluation that deals with cognition and functioning. This type of evaluation is typically more thorough than a psychoeducational evaluation is (for the issues previously mentioned):
2. A psychoeducational evaluation assesses intellect and academic performance, and typically deals with learning disabilities and developmental issues regarding education. If a child is struggling in school, a psychoeducational evaluation will most likely be recommended.
3. A psychological evaluation is more broad than neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations, and can lead to psychological diagnosis. Additionally, psychological evaluations deal with psychopathology, and use different tests within the evaluation, such as personality assessments.

The neuropsychological evaluation will be administered by a clinical psychology doctoral student under the supervision of a New York State licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in neuropsychology. For more information, feel free to email or call us!

If you are in need of affordable mental health services, the Dean Hope Center is available to help, and you can submit an application via our website.

References:

https://darlenewalkerphd.com/wordpress/test/neuropsychological-vs-psychoeducational-assessment/

https://nrah.com.au/neuropsychology

https://www.psychguides.com/neurological-disorders/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4893-neuropsychological-testing-and-assessment

https://www.educationaltestingandconsulting.com/new-blog/2019/06/19/intoductorypost-1

https://darlenewalkerphd.com/wordpress/test/neuropsychological-vs-psychoeducational-assessment/