Neuropsychological Assessment

Neuropsychology is the study of brain–behavior relationships that use both neuropsychological and psychological theories and methodologies; it is the clinical application of brain–behavior relations. Neuropsychological assessment is the assessment of those individuals with congenital or acquired neurological disorders and/or diseases that result in impaired functions, as well as psychiatric illnesses.

Other related definitions state that neuropsychological assessment focuses on the study of various behavioral domains related to neurological structures, or functional systems, in the brain and the relationship between these behaviors and the integrity of the central nervous system (CNS) (Hynd & Hooper, 1992). Behavioral domains often included in these definitions are:

• Cognitive ability
• Sensory-motor ability
• Memory
• Attention
• Achievement
• Emotional functioning
• Executive functioning (e.g., the ability to control and maintain attention)

Neuropsychological assessment is not simply the inclusion of specific components in the assessment ...