What is the neuropsychological test?

Neuropsychological tests are standardized. This means that they are administered and scored consistently for all patients. An individual’s test score are compared to those of healthy people who share similar characteristics (such as age, education, gender, or ethnicity) and to normal levels of functioning. This helps the psychiatrist to identify if an individual’s performance on a specific task is a strength or a weakness. The psychiatrist also analyzes the whole data from the evaluation to find a pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses and to learn more about how the brain works.

Neuropsychological tests measure functioning in various areas, such as: intelligence, executive functions (like planning, abstraction, conceptualization), attention, memory, language, perception, sensorimotor functions, motivation, mood state and emotion, quality of life, and personality styles. Our psychiatrist decides which areas to evaluate based on the referral question (what the referring doctor and patient want to know), patient’s concerns and symptoms, and observations made during interview and test administration.

Is neuropsychological testing essential for ADHD diagnosis?

To diagnose and treat ADHD, a neuropsychological test is an essential tool. It consists of various components, such as clinical interviews, rating scales, behavioral observations, neuropsychological tests, intelligence tests, and mood and personality tests, that give a thorough evaluation of a person’s cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. This thorough test enables clinicians to make a precise diagnosis of ADHD, exclude other conditions that may have similar symptoms to ADHD, and create an individualized treatment plan that suits the person’s specific strengths and challenges.

Neuropsychological testing can also provide useful information for creating accommodations and interventions for individuals with ADHD. For instance, a neuropsychological test can help detect specific cognitive impairments that may impact academic or occupational performance and guide the development of focused interventions to address those impairments. Behavioral observations can likewise help detect specific triggers or situations that worsen ADHD symptoms, which can guide the development of environmental changes or behavioral interventions to minimize those triggers.

Additionally, neuropsychological testing can help lessen stigma and increase understanding of ADHD. By providing a detailed and objective evaluation of ADHD symptoms, neuropsychological testing can help confirm the experiences of individuals with ADHD and promote a more accurate understanding of the disorder. Neuropsychological testing can also help educate individuals, families, and educators about the nature of ADHD, its effect on daily functioning, and the available treatments and interventions.

How much does the neuropsychological test cost?

Neuropsychological test is covered by some insurance. However, we will collect the testing fee of $500 at the time of your appointment. Depending how much your insurance covers, we will reimburse the balance back to you.

What happens after?

Typically, the results will be done in one week. Once you are done with the test, a follow-up in-person appointment with Dr. Mai is needed to go over the test results and start a treatment plan with you.