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Clinical Neuropsychology

Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty within psychology that focuses on the relationship between the central nervous system and behavior. Neuropsychological assessment and intervention is based on the scientific study of human cognition (e.g., thinking), emotion and behavior as it relates to normal and abnormal brain functioning. A clinical neuropsychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology with at least two years of advanced training and experience in the science and practice of neuropsychology.

Neuropsychological Examination

Neuropsychological examination informs the neuropsychologist how the different areas and systems in the brain are working. Patients often present with concerns about attention, concentration, memory, language, organization, perception or changes in personality or mood. The cause of these complaints may be medical, neurological, psychological or genetic.

The results of the examination serve a variety of purposes, depending on the individual situation. Several purposes of neuropsychological examination include:

• Diagnose and differentiate causes of cognitive and/or emotional complaints
• Diagnose learning disorders, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
• Assess cognitive decline and/or dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s)
• Establish a “baseline” to monitor changes in neuropsychological functioning over time or following treatment
• Objectively measure neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses
• Plan intervention or rehabilitation
• Determine capacity to return to work or make important decisions