Neuropsychological assessment

Neuropsychological assessment is a performance-based method to assess cognitive functioning. This method is used to examine the cognitive consequences of brain damage, brain disease, and severe mental illness. There are several specific uses of neuropsychological assessment, including collection of diagnostic information, treatment planning, tracking progress of an illness, and conducting research.

Overview

Neuropsychological assessment is a specialized task typically conducted by clinical neuropsychologists who have specific training in this area. The assessment involves the use of standardized tests and procedures. These tests are designed to measure a psychological function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway.

Purpose

The purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation is to detect and track progression of neurological disorders. It can also be used to understand the nature of a brain dysfunction and its impact on the individual's cognitive functioning and behavior.

Process

The process of neuropsychological assessment usually involves an interview and the administration of tests. The tests are typically pencil and paper type tests. Some tests are verbal, others are non-verbal. The tests used depend on the clinician's hypothesis.

Types of Tests

There are several types of tests that can be used in a neuropsychological assessment. These include:

• Intelligence test - This is used to measure a person's intellectual abilities.
• Memory test - This is used to measure a person's memory skills.
• Attention test - This is used to measure a person's ability to maintain attention.
• Language test - This is used to measure a person's language skills.
• Visual-spatial test - This is used to measure a person's visual and spatial skills.
• Executive function test - This is used to measure a person's executive functions.

See Also

• Clinical neuropsychology
• Cognitive neuropsychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Neuropsychology