Clinical Neuropsychology is a sub-specialty of psychology that specializes in brain functioning and behavior.  A Clinical Neuropsychologist is a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in neuropsychology, usually through internship and fellowship.  The Neuropsychological Evaluation involves assessment of cognitive areas (e.g., memory, attention, executive functioning) sensitive to brain functioning.  Evaluation findings are presented in a report that identifies primary and contributing factors to cognitive changes and makes recommendations to guide treatment and improve functioning.

Neuropsychological evaluations focus on individualized assessment of the person’s cognitive functioning to achieve the following goals:

• Identify potential problems with brain functioning, characterizing cognitive strengths and weaknesses
• Clarify differential diagnoses
• Determine possible contributing factors to changes in cognitive abilities
• Address the impact of cognitive difficulties in work, school, personal, and social environments
• Measure changes in cognitive status over time
• Develop personalized treatment recommendations

Specific referral issues might include:

• Memory complaints
• Neurological disorders (e.g., head trauma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dementia)
• Cognitive dysfunction related to psychiatric issues (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse)
• Cognitive dysfunction related to medical disorders (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders)
• Adolescent and adult attention disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Work-related problems and disability evaluations

Additional information can be found at:

American Psychological Association Division 40 (www.div40.org)
American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (www.theaacn.org)
National Academy of Neuropsychology (www.nanonline.org)
International Neuropsychological Society (www.the-ins.org)
Illinois Psychological Association (www.illinoispsychology.org)