| Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists are specialists. Beyond doctoral training in psychology, they should have at least two years of post-doctoral training in neuropsychological assessment to be considered qualified to practice in this complex area of psychology.
Cognitive function--thinking abilities--are measured in neuropsychological assessments by employing standardized, objective, paper and pencil tests. Cognitive abilities that can be measured include, but are not limited to, aspects of intelligence, attention, mental speed, concentration, language, visual-spatial, learning and memory, level of academic achievement, complex problem solving, mental flexibility, and impulse control. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessments usually include an evaluation of psychological symptoms and clinical syndromes.
Neuropsychological assessment of children and adolescents is different from and often more complicated than assessment of adults. There are rapid developmental changes in neurocognitive functioning during childhood and adolescence that require even more specialized training and knowledge. Regardless of the type of assessment or the age of the patient, neuropsychologists use valid and reliable measures to determine cognitive, psychological, and adaptive functioning.
Factors that impact the interpretation of test results include, but are not limited to, ethnicity, culture, language use, age, education, medical conditions, previous head injuries, medications, psychological health, and sometimes gender. Qualified and ethical neuropsychologists are knowledgeable about and sensitive to these individual differences and consider them when making diagnostic conclusions.
Well-written assessment reports will provide valuable information about a patient's brain functioning, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations, based on the referral question. The level of complexity contained in the reports is likely to be based on who will be reading the report in order to facilitate understanding. Untrained, unqualified individuals should not attempt to interpret the results of neuropsychological testing without the assistance of a neuropsychologist.
In cases of traumatic brain injury, disability, stroke, or dementia, a series of evaluations can determine whether changes in a patient's functioning are occurring over time. It is not always necessary to conduct serial evaluations; for diagnostic purposes, one evaluation is typically sufficient.
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