Psychological Testing Program
General neuropsychological/psychological testing is considered when other sources of information are insufficient to answer the referral question and testing is necessary to answer the specific referral question(s). Neuropsychological/psychological testing is appropriate for one or more of the following purposes.
1. To screen for the presence of suspected neuropsychological/psychological impairment, such as Dementias, Attention Deficit Disorders, and Learning Disorders.
2. The results of testing are necessary to provide differential diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder versus a neurological or medical condition with cognitive and/or psychiatric symptoms.
3. The results of testing are necessary to rule in or out diagnostic conditions.
4. The results of testing are required to determine the person’s baseline neuro-cognitive functioning when future change is reasonably anticipated and/or to determine changes in functioning from a previous baseline, and are necessary to assist with treatment planning.
When an individual displays difficulties or changes in cognition, personality, and/or emotional-behavioral patterns significant enough to interfere with normal daily routines, a physician may recommend a neuropsychological evaluation.
The types of behaviors that might indicate the need for evaluation or treatment include:
- Memory loss
- Attention and concentration problems
- Difficulty organizing and planning
- Difficulty communicating
- Changes in spatial skills
- Difficulty writing or reading
- Disturbed thinking or confusion
- Personality changes
- Emotional instability
How are the test results used?
That depends on the reason for the evaluation. Neuropsychological/psychological evaluations may:
• Confirm or clarify a diagnosis
• Provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses to guide rehabilitation, education, vocational,
or other services.
• Document changes in functioning since prior examinations, including effects of treatment.
• May result in referrals to other specialists, such as educational therapists, cognitive rehabilitation professionals, neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, special education teachers, or vocational counselors.
Contact Therapeutic Solutions today at (530) 899-3150.
