Should I See a Neuropsychologist?
Seeing a neuropsychologist can be incredibly beneficial.
One of the most important questions to be able to self-answer is “Should I see a neuropsychologist?”.
Individuals experiencing cognitive, emotional, or behavioral challenges and those seeking to understand their brain functioning in depth should consider seeing a neuropsychologist. Neuropsychologists are specialized professionals trained to assess and understand the intricate relationship between the brain and behavior.
If you are questioning if seeing a neuropsychologist is the right path for you, keep in mind that a neuropsychologist can provide comprehensive evaluations, diagnostic clarity, individualized treatment planning, insight into the brain-behavior relationship, clarity on memory concerns, increased understanding of the self, and guidance for family support. By understanding a person’s cognitive profile, a neuropsychologist can recommend tailored interventions, therapies, and strategies to optimize functioning and enhance quality of life.
To determine whether a consultation with a neuropsychologist is for you or a loved one, answer the following 10 questions based on your experience in the past 6 months.
- Are you finding it hard to focus when you need to?
- Do you or your loved ones notice your forgetfulness?
- Are you feeling unhappy, nervous, or confused?
- Are you having difficulty at work or school?
- Are you struggling with important relationships with family members, teachers, or coworkers?
- Are you misplacing things or forgetting people’s names?
- Are you having difficulty finding the right word you want to say?
- Do you need help with planning, organization, and getting things done?
- Do you need help getting lost or working with your hands?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with something but feel like that diagnosis doesn’t fit?
Speak to a Neuropsychologist
If you have answered YES to any of these questions and this problem gets in the way of daily life, it makes sense to get in touch with our team to see if an evaluation is right for you.
When meeting with a neuropsychologist, it’s important to provide comprehensive and accurate information to ensure an effective evaluation and meaningful results.
Here’s a list of key information to share during your session:
Medical History: Provide details about your medical history, including any past or current medical conditions, surgeries, hospitalizations, and medications you’re taking. This information can help the neuropsychologist understand your overall health and how it might relate to your cognitive functioning.
Current Symptoms: Clearly describe the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms or challenges you’re experiencing. Be specific about when these symptoms started, how often they occur, and any triggers that seem to worsen or alleviate them.
Developmental History: For pediatric evaluations, discuss your child’s developmental milestones, such as when they began walking, talking, and reaching other developmental milestones. Any delays or concerns in these areas can be relevant to the evaluation.
Educational and Work History: Share your educational background, including any learning difficulties or academic challenges you’ve faced. Discuss your current occupation and any difficulties you encounter in your work environment.
Family History: Mention any neurological or psychological conditions in your family, as there might be a genetic component to your challenges. This information can provide context for your evaluation.
Psychological and Emotional History: Be open about any past or present mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, or trauma. These factors can influence cognitive functioning and emotional well-being.
Substance Use: Inform the neuropsychologist about any history of substance use or abuse, including alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. Substance use can impact cognitive functioning.
Sleep Patterns: Describe your sleep patterns and any sleep disturbances you experience. Sleep quality can significantly affect cognitive functioning.
Daily Activities: Provide insight into your daily routines, activities, and hobbies. Discuss any challenges you encounter while performing routine tasks.
Social and Relationship Dynamics: Talk about your social interactions and relationships and any changes in your interpersonal behavior or emotional responses.
Traumatic Brain Injuries or Accidents: If you’ve experienced any traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or accidents that might have affected your cognitive functioning, share the details.