The world of cognitive and behavioral health can be difficult to navigate, especially if you are new to assessments geared toward your mental health. You may have been sent a referral by a doctor or heard terms like "neuropsychological testing" and "psychological evaluation" and were curious what sets them apart. While both aim to understand human behavior and mental processes, they have distinct focuses and methodologies. Let’s explore the differences between neuropsychological and psychological testing.
What is a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is a broad assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist to gain a deeper understanding of an individual's emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. It typically involves a combination of interviews, observations, and standardized tests to evaluate certain aspects of mental health. Some psychological tests include:
- Personality: Analyzes personality traits, coping mechanisms, and interpersonal styles.
- Emotional functioning: Identifies symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders.
- Cognitive ability: Evaluates general intellectual functioning, attention, and memory.
- Behavioral patterns: Assesses problematic behaviors and their underlying causes.
Psychological evaluations often diagnose mental health conditions, guide treatment planning, and assist with educational or vocational decision-making.
What is neuropsychological testing?
Neuropsychological evaluations take a more specialized approach, focusing on the relationship between the brain and behavior. Conducted by a neuropsychologist, this type of assessment uses a battery of tests to measure cognitive functions such as:
- Memory: Analyzes different types of memory, including short-term, long-term, and working memory.
- Attention and concentration: Evaluates attention spans and how impulse someone is.
- Language: Measures language and reading comprehension.
- Executive functions: Assesses higher-level cognitive skills like planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Visuospatial skills: Looks at the ability to perceive and process spatial relationships.
These types of neuropsychological assessments are often used to identify cognitive issues caused by brain injury, neurological conditions, or developmental disorders. It can also help to clarify diagnoses, track cognitive changes over time, and inform rehabilitation guidance.
Both psychological and neuropsychological assessments can also help clarify need for medication and can steer toward a class of medications and a proven type of therapy. Neuropsychological assessments encompass psychological ones and help differentiate between what a neurological issue is and what psychological is. We often find an overlap.
Neuropsych vs. psych testing: key differences
These two types of assessments provide valuable insights into the mental health of an individual, but there are some key differences to consider:
Focus and purpose
Psychological testing focuses on emotional and behavioral functions and aims to diagnose mental health conditions and guide treatment.
Conversely, neuropsychological treatment focuses on cognitive functions and their relationship to brain structure and function, aiming to pinpoint cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This usually occurs in the context of a suspected neurological issue.
Types of tests
Psychological testing utilizes self-report questionnaires, interviews, and projective tests.
Neuropsychological testing relies on performance-based tasks that require individuals to complete specific performance-based activities, such as solving puzzles, recalling information, or copying designs from standardized measures.
Disorders diagnosed
Psychological testing is commonly used to assess conditions like depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and learning disabilities.
Neuropsychological testing targets conditions like traumatic brain injury, dementia, ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, amongst others.
Neuropsych vs. psych: choosing the right evaluation
Deciding which type of evaluation is needed depends on the individual's specific needs and concerns. If you are experiencing difficulties with memory, attention, or other cognitive functions, or if there is a suspected neurological condition, neuropsychological testing may be recommended. If your concerns primarily involve emotional or behavioral issues, a psychological evaluation may be more suitable. However if it’s both, opt for the neuropsychological as it’s more comprehensive.
It's important to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine the best course of action. At Comprehend the Mind, we offer both types of assessments, and can help you determine which would be right for you.
