Do neuropsychologists provide treatment?

Neuropsychologists commonly function in a consultative role in that they provide comprehensive evaluations to assist other professionals, physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, etc, in the development of treatment plans and interventions that address the unique needs or weaknesses of the individual.  However, some “treatment” services may be provided including reviews of recommendations with the family, provision of follow-up sessions to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and brief cognitive rehabilitation services such as supportive counseling regarding effects of brain injury/trauma, etc. 

Whether difficulty is found in school, home, work or social settings Neuropsychological Services can help examine and diagnose any potential problems, direct a holistic solution aiding in the construction of a positive and productive life. Clinical services for youth, adolescents, adults and geriatrics cover known and suspected brain disorders, psychological disorders and, brain trauma disorders.

What is Neuropsychology?

Neuropsychology is a subspecialty within the field of psychology that focuses on the relationship between “neuro” (brain) and “psychology” (study of behavior) along with those factors (ie., environment, history, etc.) that mediate the relationship. 

The roots of neuropsychology lie in research during the late part of the 19th century that demonstrated consistent relationships between brain lesions within specific regions of the brain and symptoms or problems.  During the past century, the scope of our understanding of brain-behavior relationships has expanded to address a broad spectrum of problems that include both brain-related disorders; closed head injury, concussion, cerebral vascular disorders, brain tumors, degenerative neurologic diseases, dementia, alcohol-related disorders, toxic/metabolic disorders, attention deficit disorders, autism, learning disabilities, etc, and environmental factors that impact adaptation; post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, etc. 

Within this framework, neuropsychology is, not so much a body of literature but, an approach that attempts to incorporate a holistic view of problems that identifies potential biological and environmental contributions.

What happens after the Neuropsychological Evaluation?

Following the evaluation process, the neuropsychologist commonly completes a feedback session that includes a review of the pattern and level of test findings including “weak links” in processing, diagnostic impressions (ie., hypotheses that are supported) and recommendations regarding how to most effectively treat or manage symptoms/problems. 

A written report is generally completed to summarize the feedback session and to provide a record of recommendations that may be shared with other professionals, physicians, schools, parents, etc.

What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation and what does it entail?

The neuropsychological assessment process generally begins with a clinical interview that includes the “story” of the presenting symptoms, “What brought you here?, along with a history, “When did you first identify the problem?”, previous evaluation findings, “What have other professionals told you about your symptoms?”, previous treatment interventions, “What have you tried to date to address the problems?” and course of the symptoms, “Since symptom onset, how have things changed?”. 

Following a review of presenting symptoms, the interview commonly shifts to a history that may include family history, pregnancy, birth/delivery, developmental milestones, childhood history, academic and occupational achievement levels and social history.  The clinical interview and history are generally completed in order for the neuropsychologist to formulate hypotheses or possible explanations regarding the cause of the presenting symptoms.

 Testing of the hypotheses to determine which is true is critical since similar symptoms, inattention, may have diverse causes (ie., ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, language disability, etc.) and diverse causes generally have equally diverse treatments.  The testing sessions may take from a few minutes to several hours depending on the age of the individual and referral questions or hypotheses.  The actual testing process commonly requires the individual to attend or focus, to learn with their eyes or ears, to answer questions using words, to draw/build and to solve novel problems.  In addition, the assessment may include an evaluation of academic skills, reading, spelling, math, etc., along with completion of some questionnaires or surveys regarding symptoms/problems.