Week 2 Lab Readings

Question 1

Define the area of practice for Clinical Neuropsychologists

Answer 1

Clinical neuropsychologists assess and treat individuals with brain disorders associated with impairments in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, learning, language, reading, problem-solving and decision-making.

Question 2

Comment on the skills of Clinical Neuropsychologists

Answer 2

They have advanced skills which they use for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning of disorders and contexts across a lifespan.

Clinical neuropsychologists are trained to understand the cognitive, emotional and behavioural impacts of a variety of conditions including:

• developmental
• degenerative
• Demyelinating (loss of myelin)
• inflammatory
• Trauma
• Drug/ alcohol

Their skills allow for them to understand brain structure, function and disfunction.

Question 3

What is the purpose of neurological assessment? (4)

Answer 3

To determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses, the diagnosis of cognitive impairment (especially when changes in behaviour are subtle and not indicated by CT scans), diagnose mental disorders and to assist in treatment planning.

Question 4

What are some strengths of neuropsychological assessment

Answer 4

• baseline to compare changes over time
• prediction and enhancement of social, vocational and educational outcomes
• improve individual outcomes - e.g. work, medication adherence, social, psychological
• helps people understand WHY they are struggling
• not invasive
• done in a variety of settings - hospital, private practice

Question 5

Generally, what are the 7 phases of clinical assessment?

Answer 5

Phase 1: Initial data collection

Phase 2: Development of inferences

Phase 3: Either reject, modify or accept the inferences

Phase 4: If inferences are modified or accepted: Develop and integrate hypothesis

Phase 5: Dynamic model of the person

Phase 6: Situational variables

Phase 7: Prediction of behaviour

Question 6

What are some weaknesses of clinical assessment?

Answer 6

• inadequate clarification of the problem leads to limitations

Question 7

What does it mean for a clinician to evaluate the referral question?

Answer 7

• it is the duty of a psych to clarify the requests they receive
• cannot assume requests in initial statements are accurate
• uncover hidden agendas, unspoken expectations, complex interpersonal relationships and explain limitations of psychological tests
• understand context of the referee and ask specific questions

Question 8

How would a clinician acquire knowledge relating to the content of the problem when conducting an assessment?

Answer 8

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