Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological Testing services offered in Columbia, MD

Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological testing uses certain assessments and activities to evaluate your brain function. At Bluegrass Mental Health in Columbia, Maryland, the experienced independent mental health and medication management providers use the results from this testing to identify disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dementia, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to find out if neuropsychological testing is right for you.

Neuropsychological Testing Q & A

What is neuropsychological testing?

Neuropsychological testing evaluates how your brain processes information, stores memories, solves problems, and controls your attention. 

The independent providers at Bluegrass Mental Health use standardized assessments that measure specific cognitive abilities, giving them objective data about your brain function. 

Why might I need neuropsychological testing?

You might benefit from testing if you experience unexplained changes in your thinking, memory, or behavior. 

Common reasons for testing include:

  • Difficulty concentrating or staying organized at work or school
  • Memory problems that interfere with daily activities
  • Personality or behavior changes noticed by family members
  • Academic struggles despite high effort
  • Recovery assessment after a head injury or stroke

These symptoms can overlap across different conditions, making testing valuable for accurate diagnosis.

What does neuropsychological testing assess?

The testing evaluates multiple aspects of brain function to create a complete picture of your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The independent providers examine how different parts of your brain work together and identify specific areas where you might need support.

Testing measures typically include:

  • Attention span and ability to focus
  • Memory formation and recall
  • Language comprehension and expression
  • Visual-spatial processing
  • Problem-solving and reasoning skills
  • Processing speed and reaction time
  • Executive functions like planning and organization

This information helps the independent providers understand the full scope of your cognitive profile.

Which conditions can neuropsychological testing help diagnose?

Testing helps independent providers distinguish between conditions that can appear similar but require different treatments. The results clarify whether your symptoms stem from:

  • ADHD
  • Early dementia or Alzheimer's disease
  • Learning disabilities
  • Depression or anxiety affecting cognition
  • Traumatic brain injury effects
  • Stroke-related cognitive changes

This clarity allows the independent providers to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific condition.

What happens during neuropsychological testing?

When you arrive, the independent providers at Bluegrass Mental Health discuss your concerns and review your medical history, medications, and how symptoms affect your life. This helps them choose which tests to administer.

During the session, the provider measures different cognitive abilities, like recalling information, solving puzzles, answering questions, and responding to computer-based tasks. The testing typically takes several hours with breaks as needed.

Afterward, the provider analyzes your results and schedules a follow-up to discuss their findings and what they mean for your treatment. You receive a detailed report useful for medication decisions, therapy planning, and requesting accommodations.

Call Bluegrass Mental Health or book your appointment online today to learn more about neuropsychological testing.