Behavioral Health
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Neuropsychology
Understanding the relationship between brain and behavior
Appointments
Neuropsychology at Mount Auburn Hospital
Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialty field of clinical psychology that is dedicated to understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior. A clinical neuropsychologist is a psychologist with additional training on how the brain works.
At Mount Auburn Hospital, our neuropsychologists diagnose and treat people with conditions that affect cognition, including neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD or progressive illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.
What Happens During a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
- The neuropsychologist gathers historical information by reviewing records and interviewing the patient and their families.
- The patient then participates in an assessment that involves oral questions, paper and pencil tasks, computers, and the manipulation of materials such as blocks and puzzles. The assessment provides information about memory, attention, reasoning and problem-solving, language, spatial skills, and other cognitive domains. The neuropsychologist may also administer tests and questionnaires that look at psychological aspects of mood and emotions, behavior, and personality.
- The neuropsychologist presents the findings in a comprehensive report that describes the patient’s strengths and weaknesses, identifies patterns of findings that may have diagnostic significance, and makes personalized recommendations. Typically, the neuropsychologist will schedule a consultation with the patient to review the findings and recommendations, as well as address any questions or concerns.
What Are the Goals of a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
- Identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential problems with brain functions
- Clarify differential diagnoses
- Determine potential contributing factors to the pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, as well as identify any changes in cognitive abilities
- Address the impact of cognitive difficulties on performance in home, work, school, and social settings
- Track changes in cognitive functions over time
- Develop personalized treatment recommendations
What Are Common Referral Concerns?
- Memory concerns, including normal age-related changes versus mild or major neurocognitive disorders
- Neurological disorders, such as head trauma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy
- Cognitive difficulties related to medical disorders, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, and metabolic disorders
- Cognitive difficulties related to psychiatric issues, such as depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Our Neuropsychology Specialists
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