Exploring Brain-Related Tests in Neuropsychology

Mar 15

3 min read

Neuropsychology tries to understand how brain function affects a persons behavior and cognition. Brain- related tests in neuropsychology are tests that help neuropsychologists assess a variety of things.

Cognitive functions assessed through neuropsychological tests:

Cognition (memory, attention, language)
Emotional and psychological health
Brain damage
Neurological disorders including TBI, Dementia
Learning disabilities
Developmental Issues

Brain- Related Tests in Neuropsychology

Brain- related tests are standardized assessments that help to measure how well different brain regions are functioning. Here are the different types of neuropsychological tests:

Test Type	Purpose	Example
Cognitive Tests	Measures thinking, memory, and problem solving	Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
Intelligence Tests	Assesses the intelligence quotient of children and adults	Binet Kamat Test (BKT), Malins Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC)
Educational Profile	To assess presence of specific learning disabilities in children and adults including reading, writing and math.	NIMHANS SLD, Wide Range Assessment Test (WRAT)
Memory Tests	To assess the short term and long term memory	California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Post Graduate Institute Memory Scale (PGI-MS)
Executive Function Tests	Evaluates planning, decision making and impulse control	Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
Language Tests	Measures understanding and use of language	Boston Naming Test
Attention and processing tests	Measures focus and mental processing speed	Continuous Performance Test (CPT)
Emotional and Personality Tests	Evaluates mood, personality traits, and emotional health	Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
Developmental screening	Assess the progress and development of children on developmental milestones as per age	Developmental Screening Test (DST)
Social and adaptive function	Assesses the social quotient of the child	Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS)

This list of tests is not an all inclusive list, there are many more tests that can be used for the same purposes based on the clinicians judgement and the organization they are working in.

How do Brain- Related Tests in Neuropsychology help?

A clinical psychologist or a neuropsychologist is a diagnostician and provides interventions, treatment and management related assistance. After taking the detailed case of a patient and identifying the signs and symptoms seen, the professional decides appropriate test/ tests to be done on the patient.

These tests help in:

Diagnosing neurological disorders like Alzheimers, Parkingsons, and stroke.
Diagnosis of learning diabilities and/ or ADHD.
Assessment of pre and post performance in surgical cases.
To help project and decide the interventions.
Developing personalized therapy plans based on cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Common Questions related to Neuropsychological Testing

Question: Are neuropsychological tests different from IQ Tests?

Answer: Yes, IQ tests measure general intelligence, neuropsychological tests assess specific brain functions. While IQ tests can be a part of a neuropsychological resting protocol, there is much more in that domain.

Question: Are these tests painful and invasive?

Answer: No, the neuropsychological tests are a part of the domain of neurological testing. While neurological tests can be invasive, some of them. Neuropsychological tests are not painful and invasive. However, they are surely time consuming.

Question: Can brain related tests detect mental illness?

Answer: Yes, brain related tests like MMPI or BDI can be used to diagnose mental health conditions. It is best that the diagnosis comes from a trained professional who is recognized under the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

Neuropsychological tests are powerful tools for diagnosis and treatment of mental and neurological conditions. By understanding the working of the tests, students can become sound professionals in their practice.