This week's blog post is written by guest blogger and Neuropsychologist Tanisha G. Hill-Jarrett, Ph.D. In this post, Dr. Hill-Jarrett answers some basic questions asked by those preparing for a neuropsychiatric evaluation for the first time.
What is a neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a clinician who has a graduate degree in psychology and advanced specialty training in the functioning and anatomy of the brain. Neuropsychologists assess how disease and disorders of the brain affect cognition (thinking skills) and emotional functioning. After completing an evaluation, the neuropsychologist identifies areas of cognitive strengths and weakness, determines the impact of mood on the presenting concerns, diagnoses the problem, and develops an individually-tailored treatment plan. Depending on the patient’s needs, the treatment plan can range anywhere from identifying ways to capitalize on the patient’s existing cognitive strengths, recommending accommodations, or referring the patient to community-based resources or support groups. Ultimately, the goal is to help the patient function at their optimal level. Neuropsychologists can work in a variety of settings and may provide clinical care in a university setting, private practice, or a medical or rehabilitation center.
When would I need to see a neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychologists evaluate individuals for a variety questions not limited to:
- Is the cognitive difficulty I’m experiencing normal for my age? (Differential diagnosis of normal aging vs. Mild Cognitive Impairment vs. dementia/neurodegenerative disease)
- What level of care is needed given existing cognitive impairments?
- Am I safe to drive? To live alone? To manage finances?
- Why am I struggling at school or work?
- In what way does my disease or injury, or treatment for my disease/injury, affect my cognitive or mood functioning?
- Am I a good brain surgery candidate? Have I recovered from brain surgery? (Pre/post-surgical evaluations)
What can I expect the day of the evaluation?
- Neuropsychological evaluations are non-invasive, meaning the evaluation will not involve any medical procedures or bloodwork. You will be asked to answer questions or complete a variety of brain puzzles using pencil and paper or a computer.
- Testing can take anywhere from 2 hours up to 6 hours depending on your age and the reason for evaluation. You should have a sense of the approximate length at the time you schedule the appointment.
- You will speak with the neuropsychologist during a clinical interview and provide an overview of your presenting concerns. You may be asked questions about your medical conditions, surgical history mental health history, and work/educational background. For those who might have difficulty recalling this information, having a family member or trusted individual present for this portion of the evaluation is helpful.
- Depending on the provider, you may receive feedback on your test results and recommendations from the neuropsychologist. Some neuropsychologists function as a consultation service and you will have to follow-up with your referring provider for evaluation results.
How can I prepare for the evaluation?
- Get a good night of rest the evening beforehand. We want you to show up as your best self!
- Bring snacks. If you are scheduled for a longer evaluation, pack a lunch or bring money to purchase food if it is available at the hospital/facility.
- For those who do not drive, coordinate transportation in advance.
- Have a list of current medications to provide the neuropsychologist. While the neuropsychologist should have access to your medical records, having the most up-to-date information is essential to your care.
- Have an idea of what you are hoping to learn from the evaluation. Sharing this during the clinical interview can help the neuropsychologist tailor the evaluation and feedback/recommendations to your specific needs.
- Remain open to new experiences and try your best. For many, this is their first time completing an evaluation which can understandably be a source of anxiety. Many of the tasks that you will be asked to do are meant to be challenging and identify the limits of your cognitive skills, so it is not expected for your performance to be perfect.
About the author:
Tanisha G. Hill-Jarrett is a clinical neuropsychologist who currently practices at the University of South Florida Byrd Alzheimer’s Center. She completed her doctoral training at the University of Florida, internship in adult and geriatric neuropsychology at Emory University, and post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of Michigan. Her hometown is in New Brighton, Pennsylvania.
Her clinical practice focuses on providing assessment to adults and she specializes in the evaluation of dementia/neurodegenerative disease and pre-neurosurgical candidates (deep brain stimulation, epilepsy surgery). She also conducts research on cognitive aging and health disparities, and currently has a research grant that examines the effects of stress on cognitive functioning in Black Americans. She is especially passionate about healthy equity and tools to promote wellness.
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