Neuropsychological Testing: An FAQ

The onset of mental and behavioral changes can cause understandable alarm, whether you've detected those changes in yourself or you've noticed them in a loved one. These changes can have many causes, from underlying physical diseases to untreated mood disorders, a fact which only adds to your uncertainty and concern.

Fortunately, mental health specialists can administer neuropsychological tests that can help pinpoint the cause of cognitive function challenges. If you've never heard of this evaluation procedure, take a look at some frequently asked questions and neuropsychological testing.

What Does Neuropsychological Testing Involve?

Neuropsychological testing involves a series of diagnostic evaluations that aim to uncover and identify any brain health issues that might affect your behavior and overall thinking skills. These evaluations may include written tests, an extended interview with a mental health specialist, or computer-based interactive testing.

Doctors may recommend neuropsychological testing for many reasons. If you have suffered a stroke or brain injury, for instance, you may need neuropsychological testing to determine how that incident affected your brain. You might also undergo this testing both before and after a medical procedure that might affect brain health.

What Kinds of Problems Can Neuropsychological Testing Detect?

Neuropsychological testing can help mental health specialists diagnose a wide range of cognitive and behavioral disorders. Doctors frequently use it to ascertain whether individuals have Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia. It can also help identify a hidden brain problem such as a tumor or seizure disorder.

Many changes in behavior or mental sharpness stem from mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. Neuropsychological testing can help your doctor diagnose such a condition so you can get the treatment you need for it.

When Should You Consider Neuropsychological Testing?

If you've developed short-term memory problems, found everyday tasks such as bill paying more of a struggle to understand than before, or experienced mysterious mood shifts, you may want to consider scheduling neuropsychological testing for yourself. A physical exam can also help to detect or eliminate possible physical causes.

If a loved one displays certain disturbing symptoms, persuade them to undergo neuropsychological testing. These symptoms may include the inability to remember family members or familiar objects, poor concentration or judgment, and signs of depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder.

What Can You Expect From the Neuropsychological Testing Process?

When you undergo neuropsychological testing, you can expect the entire process to take about three to six hours. Although you don't need to study for the examinations themselves, try to get a full night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before you go in for testing.

Bring your medical history and current medication list to your neuropsychological evaluation. These details can help your mental health specialist look for any medical or pharmaceutical factors that might influence your brain's health and functional abilities. These factors may also prove crucial in any treatment plan your doctor might devise.

You'll take several tests over the course of the exam. These tests evaluate your short-term memory, your ability to identify similarities and differences among different images, your hand-to-eye motor skills, and your verbal communication skills. You might even have your hearing and vision checked.

Mood problems also undergo scrutiny as a part of neuropsychological testing. The person administering the tests may ask you to describe any mood changes you've experienced lately. If you've accompanied a loved one undergoing the testing, you may have to contribute your impressions of the loved one's behavioral changes. 

If you think that you or anyone in your family might benefit from neuropsychological testing, contact Heritage Mental Health Clinic. Our skilled, caring team can prepare you for testing, run the necessary evaluations, and provide or recommend a variety of treatment options.