A clinical neuropsychologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and assisting patients with a variety of brain-related dysfunctions or injuries that affect their ability to function in everyday activities. Neuropsychology is a complex branch of clinical psychology that focuses on the brain and nervous system and studies how they affect daily interactions and functions. This field also offers therapy to help patients find more effective ways to navigate daily life. These highly trained professionals use a variety of evaluation tools and tests to pinpoint the precise neuropsychological problem that a patient is experiencing. A trained professional in clinical neuropsychology will see a wide range of patients with unique neurocognitive deficits.
There are several types of tests or evaluations given in neuropsychology to those who are experiencing symptoms of possible brain injury or other types of neurocognitive deficits. Each evaluation is intended to provide the clinical neuropsychologist with the opportunity to learn more about the patient’s brain and nervous system connection, as well as any apparent dysfunction. Before beginning testing, the neuropsychologist will conduct an in-depth interview with the patient and design a specialized battery of tests. This ensures that the patient isn’t overworked on the day of the evaluation and that the psychologist has a solid foundation to work with.
The clinical neuropsychologist must use the information gleaned from these evaluations to begin developing treatment and therapy plans for the patient. Examples of the patient’s long- and short-term memory abilities, as well as his or her attention and concentration functions, can all be found in these reports. Language skills and the patient’s ability to learn and comprehend new information and skills are also highlighted in the evaluations. Other important brain functions are also assessed, such as motor coordination and abstract and logical reasoning abilities. The clinical neuropsychologist evaluates all aspects of the evaluation and uses the results to make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Neuropsychology can be used to treat a variety of different dysfunctions. This field of psychology is frequently used to help people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological diseases. Stroke patients and dementia patients are frequently seen by clinical neuropsychologists. Patients with brain injuries, as well as those who have been exposed to toxins or have drug problems, are usually good candidates for neuropsychology therapy. Children who are unable to meet their educational milestones due to a variety of learning disabilities or brain disorders may benefit from neuropsychology.