Neuropsychological Testing
Neuropsychological assessment is the use of normative data (e. g., age and education norms) to determine the integrity of cognitive functioning. Testing is administered by a trained clinician with paper-and-pencil or computers based protocols. Cognitive, emotional, and motor domains sampled include:
Interpretation of test results must be made in conjunction with a thorough clinical interview, medical record review (e. g., brain imaging, blood work, office notes, etc.), and clinical expertise.
- Pre-morbid estimate
- Intelligence
- Attention & concentration
- Processing speed or reaction time
- Language
- Visuospatial & perceptual ability
- Memory
- Executive functioning
- Motor dexterity
- Psychological, emotional, and personality
Interpretation of test results must be made in conjunction with a thorough clinical interview, medical record review (e. g., brain imaging, blood work, office notes, etc.), and clinical expertise.
Special Forensic Considerations
In addition to cognitive testing, the objective assessment of effort, motivation, or task engagement is essential in forensic neuropsychological assessment. When secondary gain is at stake during insurance claims or litigation, the risk of poor effort or malingering increases and must be considered. When appropriate methods of test validity are utilized, the confidence that neuropsychological test results are a true indicator of ability increases.
For a more detailed description, see the National Academy of Neuropsychology's position paper, Symptom validity assessment: Practice issues and medical necessity.
The systematic evaluation of personality characteristics, psychological symptoms, and psychiatric illness is also an important component of forensic neuropsychological assessments. Depression, anxiety, and a variety of psychiatric conditions can lead to cognitive impairment and functional limitations.
For a more detailed description, see the National Academy of Neuropsychology's position paper, Symptom validity assessment: Practice issues and medical necessity.
The systematic evaluation of personality characteristics, psychological symptoms, and psychiatric illness is also an important component of forensic neuropsychological assessments. Depression, anxiety, and a variety of psychiatric conditions can lead to cognitive impairment and functional limitations.