What is Neuropsychological Testing?

Neuropsychological testing is a specialized evaluation of how a person’s brain functions in different areas.

Depending on the reason for the evaluation, testing may examine:

• Attention and concentration

• Memory

• Processing speed

• Problem-solving

• Planning and organization

• Language skills

• Visual and spatial abilities

• Academic or learning skills

• Emotional and behavioral functioning

The evaluation may include an interview, questionnaires, review of records, and several standardized tasks. The psychologist then reviews the results and identifies patterns of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Who Provides Neuropsychological Testing?

Neuropsychological testing is usually completed by a licensed psychologist with specialized education and training in psychological or neuropsychological assessment.

A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist with advanced training in understanding the relationship between the brain, behavior, emotions, and cognitive functioning.

Not every therapist or psychologist provides this type of testing.

Is Neuropsychological Testing Required to Diagnose ADHD?

Neuropsychological testing is not automatically required for every adult ADHD evaluation.

ADHD is generally evaluated through a detailed clinical assessment that considers:

• Current symptoms

• Childhood symptom history

• Functioning at work, school, home, and in relationships

• Medical and psychiatric history

• Sleep, substance use, and medication history

• Other conditions that could affect attention

• Standardized ADHD screening tools when appropriate

No single computerized task or psychological test can diagnose ADHD by itself. Test results must be considered as part of the person’s complete clinical history. When might additional testing be helpful?

A psychologist or neuropsychologist may be helpful when there are questions about:

• A possible learning disability

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Memory changes

• Developmental concerns

• Cognitive changes following a concussion or brain injury

• A neurological condition

• Intellectual functioning

• Complex or conflicting symptoms

• The need for detailed academic or workplace documentation

Testing may also be considered when someone has completed treatment but continues to experience significant cognitive or functional difficulties that are not fully explained.

What Is the Difference Between a Psychiatric Evaluation and Neuropsychological Testing?

A psychiatric evaluation focuses on mental health symptoms, psychiatric diagnoses, safety, medical history, medication options, and treatment planning.

A neuropsychological evaluation provides more extensive measurement of cognitive abilities and identifies patterns of strengths and weaknesses.

These evaluations have different purposes. In some situations, they may be used together.

Which Evaluation Should I Schedule First?

Begin by identifying the main question you need answered.

A psychiatric evaluation may be an appropriate starting point when you are concerned about ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or psychiatric medication treatment.

A psychologist or neuropsychologist may be the better starting point when the primary concern involves learning disabilities, autism testing, memory loss, brain injury, cognitive decline, or detailed documentation for accommodations.

Yellow Daisy Mental Health provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults in Idaho and Utah. Yellow Daisy does not provide comprehensive neuropsychological testing. When specialized testing appears clinically appropriate, patients may be encouraged to seek an evaluation from a qualified psychologist or clinical neuropsychologist.

Contact Yellow Daisy Mental Health to learn more about adult psychiatric evaluations and medication-management services. www.yellowdaisy.org