NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology is the study of brain behavior relationships. Clinical neuropsychology applies this knowledge to assess various aspects of cognitive and emotional functioning, including memory and learning, attention, language, visual-spatial skills, planning, organization, and problem solving. Our comprehensive evaluations can assist patients and their medical providers to better understand and treat every day difficulties stemming from brain injury or illness. There are many ways a neuropsychological evaluation can be helpful. Here are some of the conditions that can benefit from this type of assessment:
ADHD and Learning Disabilities
Among the specialized assessments and therapeutic services we offer we are able to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or various learning disabilities. This can include providing differential diagnosis, identifying strengths and weaknesses, recommending various accommodations or adaptations, and learning to cope with the various emotional and psychological impacts that these disorders can have.we are able to assist with the diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder and Learning disabilities.
Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
We also provide specialized assessment to assist with the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. If you or someone you know is struggling with signs of memory loss, a decline in intellectual ability, or increased difficulty with daily activities, it is important to obtain these types of assessments, which help track changes in cognitive functioning over time, monitor disease progression in response to intervention, and provide recommendations and resources to assist patients, family members, and caregivers in the planning of care.
Brain Injury
We also commonly see individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury such as a traumatic brain injury or stroke. Through assessment we can help provide clarification and support for issues including assessing the nature and extent of cognitive impairment, providing differential diagnosis, documenting changes in cognitive function over time, and formulating specific recommendations to guide treatment planning. This also includes making recommendations for return to activities such as work, sports, or driving. In some cases it is also necessary to make determinations about individuals decisional capacities such as being able to assign powers of attorney, manage their own finances, or make their own legal decisions.
Psychosomatic Illness
Most if not all medical and neuropsychological conditions are accompanied by some type of psychological symptoms as well. This can range anywhere from some of the social and interpersonal difficulties experienced by individuals with ADHD to symptoms of depression and anxiety commonly associated with medical illnesses, traumatic brain injury, or cognitive decline. In fact, many psychiatric disorders have their own cognitive symptoms such as the mental dullness that could be seen in depression or the difficulties in concentration commonly experienced by those who struggle with anxiety. The role of assessment in these cases is to parse apart each of the contributing factors to an individual’s overall difficulties in functioning from both the cognitive and emotional standpoint. This can allow for better tailored treatment plans both in terms of medical treatment as well as psychotherapy. This can also help to avoid unnecessary treatment and maximize the efficacy of existing interventions.
If you are looking for neuropsychological testings you can trust our expert evaluators to provide in-depth analysis with helpful results. If you have any questions about the process or testing in general, please contact our director of assessment, Dr. Shea McTaggart.