Psychological Evaluation

These evaluations are used to:

1. Clarify diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and personality disorders.
2. Assist mental health professionals in identifying psychodynamic issues that may affect therapy, to guide treatment plans.
3. These evaluations include interviews, observations, objective personality measures, and/or rating scales.

Neuropsychological Testing

This is a comprehensive evaluation used to assess how brain injuries or disorders affect a person’s cognition, behavior, and emotional functioning. Unlike brain imaging studies (like an MRI or CT scan), which can identify anatomical abnormalities in the brain, the neuropsychological assessment determines a person’s ability to perform tasks that require brain activity and are necessary for daily living, such as learning, language, and memory. Primary reasons for performing a neuropsychological assessment are to:

1. Define a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses,
2. Assess social, emotional, and behavioral functioning,
3. Assist in the diagnosis of various brain disorders,
4. Uncover possible problems with brain functioning,
5. Document changes in cognitive or emotional functioning over time, and/or
6. Provide recommendations for the design of an effective treatment plan.

The neuropsychological assessment consists of:

1. A review of relevant historical information through:
   • Patient interview
   • Comprehensive review of medical and other records
   • Interviews with family member or others who know the patient well (when appropriate)
2. Administration of a series of standardized tests (that include oral questions, paper-and-pencil tasks, computerized activities, use of materials [such as puzzles and blocks], and other procedures) that assess:
   • Executive function skills (including attention, working memory, planning, reasoning, decision making, flexibility, and problem-solving skills)
   • Intelligence
   • Learning and memory
   • Academic skill development
   • Visual spatial skills
   • Language
   • Mood and emotion
   • Sensory-motor functioning
   • Personality
3. Work or school observations (as needed)
4. Integration and analysis of test data and historical information
5. Completion of comprehensive report that includes individually tailored treatment recommendations.
6. Review of results with patient, family, and referring provider

How long Test Administration Takes?

The length of neuropsychological evolution depends on individual performance and ability but generally takes between seven and eight hours. This time includes breaks when needed and for food. Tests can also be split across multiple sessions when needed.

Is there a way to prepare for the evaluation?

Yes, there are several relatively easy considerations and steps, and individual can take to make the neuropsychological processes smoother.

• • Have a good night sleep the night before
  • Be sure to take any medications that are prescribed and typical to your daily routine.
  • Have any relevant medical or school records available.
  • Be sure to bring any supportive devices such as hearing aids, glasses etc.
  • If applicable any previous psychological evaluations conducted.
  • Ensure that solid effort is given for the full evaluation.