NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING
A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist specializing in the area of brain-behavior relationships. A neuropsychologist
is educated in brain anatomy, brain function, and brain injury or disease. Training as a neuropsychologist also involves years of
practical (hands-on) experience working with people who have had various types of problems involving the brain.
What is the Purpose of a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A Neuropsychological Evaluation, or Neuropsychological Testing (NPT), is used to find several types of information. Reasons you have been referred for NPT may include:
What is the Purpose of a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A Neuropsychological Evaluation, or Neuropsychological Testing (NPT), is used to find several types of information. Reasons you have been referred for NPT may include:
- Evaluation of your brain functioning, including specific functions, such as memory
- Diagnosis and treatment recommendations
- Definition of brain-related strengths and weaknesses
- Recommendations to assist you and your family to improve your functioning and plan for your future
- Ongoing monitoring of possible changes in your
functioning over time.
What is involved in a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A Neuropsychological Evaluation often includes three components:
A Neuropsychological Evaluation often includes three components:
- A review of your medical and other records including any CT or MRI scans of your brain
- An interview with you and another person who knows you well
- Standardized tests that measure your abilities and mood.
What will the Neuropsychological Tests Measure?
The neuropsychological tests are a mix of written and oral tests. They examine a variety of skills and abilities including:
The neuropsychological tests are a mix of written and oral tests. They examine a variety of skills and abilities including:
- Attention and concentration
- Learning and memory
- Problem-solving and other higher level cognitive abilities
- Visual-spatial functions
- Language functions
- Sensory-perceptual and motor functions
- A brief assessment of your current emotional functioning is also completed
How do I study?
There is nothing you need to study before your evaluation. The tests are designed to get a sense of what you are able to do now, so there is no need to learn any new material or to practice skills. People often tell us after testing that there was no possibility that they could have studied for the evaluation because these are not like tests they had in school.
Will I feel uncomfortable?
The tests are designed to provide some degree of challenge for every individual. Some of the tasks and questions may be easy and others may be hard. Some people feel frustrated or upset at times. Many people say the testing process was interesting and even fun. The most important thing is to try your best on all tests.
There is nothing you need to study before your evaluation. The tests are designed to get a sense of what you are able to do now, so there is no need to learn any new material or to practice skills. People often tell us after testing that there was no possibility that they could have studied for the evaluation because these are not like tests they had in school.
Will I feel uncomfortable?
The tests are designed to provide some degree of challenge for every individual. Some of the tasks and questions may be easy and others may be hard. Some people feel frustrated or upset at times. Many people say the testing process was interesting and even fun. The most important thing is to try your best on all tests.
How long will the testing process take?
The length of testing time
depends on your situation and how you respond to questions. Testing is usually completed in 2-3 hours. Testing is usually completed
in one scheduled appointment, so you will not have to come in multiple times. During testing, you may become tired or need a break.
Please make sure you let the person testing know if you need some time to stretch, use the rest room, have a drink of water, or just
need a break.
How will I find out the results?
The results of the evaluation are summarized and presented in a report. A copy of the report explaining the test results will be provided to the referring or treating doctor. The report will typically include:
- A summary of your important medical and personal history
- Current problems you are experiencing
- Tests you were given and how you performed on them
- An assessment of how your performance compares to others similar to your age and background
- Recommendations that will help you and your family plan for the future
Family Feedback Session - A Very Important Meeting
Your family feedback session is very important. We require that you bring at least one family member to this appointment, and you may bring as many close family/friends as you feel necessary (please let us know if more than three). At this session the psychiatric provider and the neuropsychologist will review test results, diagnosis, and recommendations.
These are scheduled within a few weeks following your evaluation. Family attendance is an expectation. Please let us know of any concerns.
Preparing for Your Appointment:
GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH
What is a Neuropsychologist?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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138 Webster Street Manchester, NH 03104
603-645-5977