Professional or Academic Difficulties
Commonly a person is referred for a neuropsychological evaluation by their family doctor or therapist when they start having difficulties at school or work. For example, colleagues, supervisors or teachers may remark that they appear more distracted in meetings or lectures. They may be missing important deadlines or finding it more difficult to manage their time effectively. This type of evaluation typically requires an in-depth examination of attention and memory as well as contributing emotional and personality factors.
Memory Difficulties
Sometimes, particularly in older adults, family members or friends begin to notice changes in a loved one's behavior and cognition. They may seem confused, have problems remembering recent events or conversations or seem withdrawn. Sometimes this is just a normal aspect of aging; however, it may also be a symptom of something more significant. A neuropsychological evaluation can be used to determine whether cognitive weaknesses are greater than would be expected and warrant intervention. Studies have shown that early intervention significantly halts the progression of memory and cognitive decline in dementia related illnesses.
Emotional Difficulties
Commonly, individuals are referred for a neuropsychological evaluation by their therapist or primary care physician because of unresolved emotional problems, problems connecting with others, or simply difficulties coping with everyday challenges. Often, such individuals have significant difficulties meeting their intended goals in individual psychotherapy therapy or are not experiencing noticeable symptom relief from psychotropic medication. In such cases, objective evaluation using standardized measures is often useful at identifying additional factors contributing to their difficulties.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Commonly after an accident involving a head injury, individuals notice a change in their personality or thinking. Often such changes cause difficulties in aspects of their everyday life. They may find it more difficult to keep up at work or focus on their studies. They may struggle with conversations or no longer feel like socializing at all. There are a number of different changes that can occur with brain injury. Neurological evaluation and imagining techniques, such as MRI or CT scan are useful diagnostic tools and are necessary to determine the location and extent of brain injury. Neuropsychological evaluation is also often employed to further classify cognitive difficulties associated with the injury and devise effective strategies to improve everyday functioning.
Neurological Illness
There are many different causes of neurological dysfunction, including stroke, brain tumor and epilepsy. Often, damage to the brain impacts a person's ability to function independently. Neuropsychological evaluation is used to identify cognitive weaknesses and impairments that are interfering with daily functioning. Once these impairments are identified, a customized treatment plan can be created to help the person regain independence. Treatment may include cognitive rehabilitation or supportive therapy. The neuropsychologist works with the person, their family and their providers to coordinate care.
Learning and attention difficulties
Learning and Academic Difficulties School can be challenging. Students often have difficulty meeting academic demands and living up to their potential. Neuropsychological evaluations identify impediments and provide effective solutions to ensure academic success.
Diagnostic Clarification Individualized Educational Program (IEP) assessments identify areas of academic delay. Neuropsychological evaluations determine the underlying cause and provide personalized treatment recommendations.
Academic Accommodations/Disability Applications Evaluations are necessary to document difficulties for educational accommodations and disability applications.