Introduction:
Neuropsychology encompasses neurology (the study of the nervous system) and psychology (the study of the mind and its effect on one’s behavior). Neuropsychologists focus on how an illness or brain injury can influence one’s daily life. Brain trauma can affect one’s cognitive (thought processes), social (how one gets along with others), physical (how one moves and how one’s body functions), and emotional (how one feels emotionally) aspects of behavior.
How Did the Field of Neuropsychology Emerge?
It has been known for thousands of years that the brain affects psychological states. As early as 3500 B.C., an Egyptian priest called Imhotep studied the effects of the brain on one’s behavior. Hippocrates argued that the brain directly affects one’s behavior. The field of neuropsychology came into existence in the later part of the 19th century. With advancements in brain science through the 20th century, scientists found that specific parts of the brain control specific body functions. Chemicals such as hormones and neurotransmitters influence the way signals are transmitted within the brain as well as from the brain to other parts of the body. This provides neurologists with a powerful idea about the functioning of the mind, and this has resulted in the emergence of modern neuropsychology.
How Can Neuropsychologists Be Classified?
Neuropsychologists focus on one’s general intellect, processing speed, attention and concentration, learning and memory abilities, language skills, mood and personality, memory and learning abilities, visuospatial abilities, and reason and problem-solving capabilities. Neuropsychologists can be classified into two categories:
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Cognitive Neuropsychologists: These experts are involved in conducting research that will be of use in the field of neuropsychology.
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Clinical Neuropsychologists: These experts work with other healthcare professionals or those requiring care. Clinical neuropsychologists carry out various tests to assess cognitive function and chart out appropriate treatment plans along with a healthcare team. These experts may also specialize in specific age groups like pediatrics.
Neuropsychology is typically a subspecialty of psychology and not that of neurology. Neuropsychologists assess the connections or links between the thoughts and perceptions of the human mind, various structures of the brain, and the biological processes that underlie these thoughts and perceptions.
Are Neuropsychologists Regarded as Medical Doctors?
Neuropsychologists are not considered medical doctors. Rather than performing procedures or prescribing medications, these experts carry out various tests and study the results. A person with a medical degree who works in this field is referred to as a neuropsychiatrist. Cognitive neuropsychologists usually work in an academic or research setting, while clinical neuropsychologists usually work in a medical setting and cater to the needs of those who suffer from a brain disease or injury.
Who Might Require the Help of a Neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists help individuals of all ages. They usually help people like:
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Elderly individuals with declining abilities.
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Adults with issues at home or at work.
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Children and adolescents with academic difficulties.
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Young children with developmental delays.
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Those suffering from stroke, head injury, brain tumors, and mood disorders.
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Genetic disorders and other diseases that affect the central nervous system.
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Those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy (a condition in which there is a disturbance in the nerve cell activity of the brain).
Neuropsychologists also work with those who are to undergo brain surgery. They map out certain sections of the brain that control particular functions since the precise areas that control language and speech can differ. Neuropsychologists also assess individuals post-surgery. They watch out for ways in which the surgery would have affected the function of the brain. Their assessments can aid in post-surgical care. Neuropsychologists help people deal with their emotions after surgery.
What Does Neuropsychological Evaluation Include?
A neuropsychological evaluation encompasses gathering information and administering tests. Before beginning with the test, the neuropsychologist will ask for the complete family history and previous and current medical conditions of the individual, find out one’s concerns, and review the medications that one takes. Also, the neuropsychologist will communicate with one’s family members or close friends and gather information about their observations of one’s cognitive changes.
After this, the next step involves taking standardized tests. These tests must be rendered the same way every time in order to get accurate results. Most of the tests are pen and pencil tests, and the physician who referred the patient for the test will determine which tests would be appropriate. Any queries that the physician has about one’s condition will be resolved after the tests. Based on the complexity of the symptoms, a neuropsychological evaluation may take around two to eight hours.
A few individuals may require more time to finish the tests or extra time between the tests. If necessary, tests will be conducted over the course of multiple days. Before a neuropsychological evaluation, one can do the following:
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Sleep well the night before the evaluation.
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One must not consume alcohol 24 hours before the tests.
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One must maintain a positive mental attitude.
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If one is taking any medications, then they must consult with their physician as to whether it can be taken or not before the test.
How Are the Neuropsychological Evaluation Results Interpreted?
Once the neuropsychological evaluation tests are done, a neuropsychologist will score them. Some test results can be immediately obtained. Based on the results, the neuropsychologist will write a detailed report to the referring physician. These tests will provide accurate information about how one is functioning. In the case of a first neuropsychological examination, the tests will create a baseline. Based on this, the physician will assess if one’s condition has improved or worsened. The results may be used to formulate a working diagnosis or a different diagnosis.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist, a Neurologist, and a Neuropsychologist?
Psychologists have specialized knowledge about how one’s life experiences impact one’s mental and behavioral health. A neurologist is a certified medical physician who diagnoses, treats and manages various disorders that affect the nervous system, like the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. Neurologists have in-depth knowledge about the anatomy, function, and various conditions that affect the human nervous system.
A neuropsychologist is a professional who has specialized knowledge of how brain issues and biological factors affect one’s behavior and cognitive functions. They are not medical physicians and, hence, cannot prescribe any medications.
Conclusion:
Neuropsychology encompasses assessing the link between one’s behavior and the human brain, including brain function and brain structures. This can be beneficial in treating various disorders like epilepsy, dementia, and other mental health conditions. Neuropsychologists usually have a doctorate in psychology and obtain training in neuropsychology. These experts work in either clinical or research settings. A neuropsychologist aids in the diagnosis of cognitive, behavioral, or neurological conditions. Also, they work in unison with the healthcare team and formulate an individualized treatment plan that is appropriate for the individual.
