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What are the steps of a neuropsychological assessment?
- Referral question
- History
- Behavioural Observations (presentation)
- Formal tasks
What are some of the questions we should ask when looking at the referral question?
Why is this person seeing a neuropsychologist?
Diagnosis?
Strengths and weaknesses?
Interventions or management support?
Give some examples of sources, when looking at the history in a neurological assessment?
-Referrer
-Medical file
-Reports from other professionals
-Brain scans
-Previous neuropsychological assessments
-Client interview
-Informant interview
There are so many sources for history in a neuropsychological assessment. How do these elements change?
The importance of these different elements change depending on the research question.
What are some things we look at with behavioural observations?
-Appearance
-Behaviour
-Speech
-Mood
-Affect
-Cognition
-Insight and judgement
Behavioural observations feed into assessment f each of the cognitive domains. Clinical neuropsychologists look for consistency between what to inform diagnosis?
What is reported, what the clinician observes, and performance on formal tasks when creating a formulation.
What are some things that get assessed with formal tasks?
- Premorbid ability
- General intellectual ability
- Processing speed
- Attention
- Memory and learning
- Executive functions (hot and cold)
Other things may include social cognition, academics, mood, specific diagnostic symptoms and effort.
What is a neuropsychological intervention?
Interventions that target difficulties of conditions affecting the brain, and aim to improve overall functioning.
What are some examples of neuropsychological interventions?
-Psychoeducation
-Cognitive remediation/rehabilitation
-Psychological therapies
-Behaviour management
-Environmental modifications and supports
What is the process in designing and implementing neuropsychological interventions?
- Assessment
- Formulation
- Goal setting
- Intervention plan
What are restorative approaches when it comes to cognitive remediation/rehabilitation?
-Repetitive practice to restore function
-Brain training exercises
-Limitation - usually little generalisation
What are compensatory approaches when it comes to cognitive remediation/rehabilitation?
-Work around impairment
-Usually better generalisation
What is cognitive rehabilitation when it comes to cognitive remediation/rehabilitation?
Any strategy or technique which intends to enable clients or patients and their families to live with, manage, bypass, reduce or come to terms with cognitive deficits precipitated by injury to the brain.
What is cognitive domains when it comes to cognitive remediation/rehabilitation?
Different strategies used to address difficulties in each of the following domains:
-Attention and processing speed
-Memory and learning
-Language
-Visuo-spatial skills
-Executive function
