The field of neuropsychology has made great strides over the past few decades, and many psychologists are now offering specialized neuropsychological evaluations. If you're looking for a psychologist in Orlando who can provide this type of evaluation, there are several important factors to consider. This article will discuss what a neuropsychological evaluation is, what it includes, when it's recommended, and the benefits that can be gained from undergoing one.
What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is an assessment tool used by mental health professionals to assess cognitive functioning and behavior related to neurological or medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses. It involves testing various aspects of cognition including memory, language skills, problem solving abilities and attention span. The results of the tests can help diagnose certain conditions as well as inform treatment plans by providing insight into how the condition may be affecting an individual's life.
What Does a Neuropsychological Evaluation Include?
A typical neuropsychological evaluation consists of both clinical interviews with the patient and family members as well as standardized psychological tests which measure cognitive functioning across multiple domains such as memory recall ability, executive function skills (e.g., planning/organizing), language comprehension/expression ability, etc.. The clinician administering the test will also take into account any pertinent medical history information provided by either the patient or family member(s). In some cases, additional assessments such as laboratory studies may be conducted depending upon the particular needs being evaluated for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
When Is A Neuropsychological Evaluation Recommended?
A neuropsychological evaluation should always be done under professional supervision so it's important that patients consult their doctor before seeking out one. Generally speaking, these evaluations are recommended to diagnose neurological conditions (when neurological symptoms present themselves but the underlying cause remains unknown then getting a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation helps doctors identify potential causes and rules out possible diagnoses more accurately). They are also recommended to assess cognitive impairment. For instance, after suffering from a stroke patients often experience changes in their thinking processes and motor functions which require proper monitoring and interventions; thus getting regular neuropsychological evaluations helps track progress over time so appropriate treatments can be implemented accordingly based on the findings from each successive session.
What Are The Benefits Of A Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Undergoing thorough neuropsychological evaluations offers numerous advantages including but not limited too:
- Improved Diagnostic Accuracy – As mentioned earlier accurate diagnosis forms a foundation for a
successful treatment plan
- Increased Quality Of Life – By tracking progression regularly through successive sessions healthcare
professionals can detect even the slightest changes happening inside the body due to timely interventions
taken based off reports generated from neuropsychological evaluations
- Enhanced Understanding Of Brain Functionality – Through careful analysis obtained data points collected
during the evaluation process the specialists gains a deeper insight regarding the inner workings mind
enabling them develop tailored therapies specifically catered towards the individual's needs
Where To Find Psychologists In Orlando For Neuropsychological Evaluations?
For more information on Neuropsychological Evaluations please contact Psychological Affiliates at 407-740-6838!