What populations are served by Neuropsychologists?

Neuropsychological services are provided to individuals of all ages. For example, an infant or preschool aged child may be referred to address possible effects of prematurity and low birth weight or early trauma on brain development or function. School aged children may be referred to determine the presence of learning disabilities, attention problems, or other disorders which may impact learning. Young adults may be seen after head trauma which may occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident to determine their vocational and learning capacities and identify those in need of specialized interventions or disability support. Adults may be seen for assessment of the effects of systemic disease on neuropsychological abilities. Examples include patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, seizure disorder, cancer or neoplastic disease, substance abuse, or normal effects of aging. Neuropsychological examination is often used as a method for the early identification of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. Additional populations served include individuals with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease and other degenerative disorders of the central nervous system.

Neuropsychologists may provide services in a variety of settings including both inpatient and outpatient venues. One example of the use of neuropsychology in the inpatient setting may be to determine if a patient is safe for discharge or whether they will need specialized care or intervention before attempting to return to work. Patients are most often referred for outpatient examination in the neuropsychologist's office. Many neuropsychologists offer predominantly "clinical" services such as the assessment of the effects of brain disorders on memory, thinking or personality functioning. Some also offer specialized "forensic" services such as determinations of a defendant's competence to stand trial or the potential mitigating effect of brain damage on criminal behavior. Such individuals may be asked by attorneys to help determine whether a specific event, such as an automobile accident, may have caused brain damage or psychological injury. Neuropsycholgists may also examine persons referred for assessment of the outcome of work related injuries.