If you don’t work in the field of assessment, you may find yourself feeling a little confused by two seemingly similar types of evaluations: psychological and neuropsychological assessment. These two types of testing batteries do look at some of the same things, but they are typically recommended for different purposes. In this blog, we’ll walk through what each of these assessment types is and when they’re recommended. If you have questions or you’re ready to schedule an intake session, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Northern Colorado Assessment Center team.
What Is Psychological Assessment?
Psychological assessments are tests that evaluate cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Individuals may be referred for psychological assessment by medical doctors, treatment and rehabilitation programs, and educational or governmental institutions. A variety of different testing methods may be utilized, including clinical interviews, standardized tests and rating scales measuring cognitive ability and personality traits, IQ tests, and tests specifically for symptoms of a variety of conditions.
Who Should Receive Psychological Assessment?
There are numerous reasons why a person would be referred for psychological assessment. The main goal is to clearly understand any cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms and concerns that are present in order to develop a complete picture of the individual’s abilities and areas of challenge. Some of the many conditions that may be ruled in or out by assessment include:
- Depression
- Anxiety (general as well as specific forms of anxiety like obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder)
- Bipolar
- Schizophrenia
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Personality disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder
- Any other condition outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Edition (DSM-5)
What is Neuropsychological Assessment?
Neuropsychological assessment utilizes many of the same testing approaches and can even be used to diagnose many of the same conditions as psychological assessment. The difference is that neuropsychological testing is used to evaluate the effects of genetics, development, and environment on the brain’s functionality. This type of testing dives deeper into the underlying causes and sources of specific, diagnosable conditions, which can be essential information to create effective treatment and support plans. Assessment types include psychological testing as explained above and clinical interviewing with the client as well as feedback and reporting from parents and caregivers, medical professionals, and educators. Additionally, clients will receive a neurocognitive testing battery that assesses a range of skills and abilities, including:
- Level of concentration and attentiveness
- Memory
- Processing (auditory and visual)
- Other executive functioning skills
- Visual-spatial function
- Motor skills
- Language and reading skills
- Sensory integration
Who Should Receive Neuropsychological Assessment?
Like psychological assessments, neuropsychological assessment batteries are utilized to diagnose a wide range of conditions outlined in the DSM-5, but this type of assessment also delves deeper to determine the severity and source of these conditions. Some of the most common reasons a neuropsychological testing battery may be utilized include diagnosing:
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia, dyscalculia, nonverbal learning disorder, and specific learning disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Brain damage due to injury or stroke as well as alcohol or drug use
Don’t Worry About the Difference – We’re Here to Help
If you’re still not sure which type of assessment is suited to your needs, you don’t need to worry about it. The Northern Colorado Assessment Center team will review your situation and create a comprehensive testing battery to deliver the answers you need. When you’re ready to get started, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule your intake session.
