Neuropsychology

Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute

UT Southwestern Medical Center offers specialized neuropsychological assessment of people with known or suspected neurological disorders or brain injuries that result in cognitive, personality, or behavioral problems. These problems can include difficulties with memory, attention, executive functioning, depression, anxiety, or mood instability.

UT Southwestern is one of the premier centers in the world for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders.

Experts in Neuropsychological Evaluation

Certain behavioral health issues or impaired cognitive abilities can be related to brain functioning. At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our neuropsychologists offer individualized assessments and expertise to examine cognitive and behavioral functioning in patients with a variety of known or suspected neurological conditions.

We work closely with referring physicians to deliver a comprehensive diagnosis and recommendations for care. Together, we provide valuable feedback to patients and their families about how to cope with and compensate for cognitive or mental disability and how to maximize a person’s strengths.

Conditions We Treat

Our specialists perform tests that can help diagnose or rule out cognitive impairment related to numerous conditions, including:

Alzheimer’s disease
Brain trauma
Cognitive changes following surgery
Dementia
Effects of toxins or chronic substance abuse
Frontotemporal dementia
Lewy body dementia
Memory loss
Mild cognitive impairment
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Psychiatric or neuropsychiatric disorders
Seizure disorder
Stroke and other cardiovascular disorders

Diagnosis

Neuropsychological evaluation involves administration of a broad battery of cognitive tests to help diagnose and treat a variety of neurological or neuropsychiatric conditions. Testing can contribute helpful information about a person’s cognitive function, such as how a person thinks, remembers information, or carries out daily tasks, all of which can inform diagnosis and help with treatment planning.

These evaluations are useful to:

Aid in diagnosis or rule out certain conditions
Track progress before and after interventions
Plan educational or vocational programs
Determine a disability
Provide a baseline for later comparison in progressive disorders
Aid in treatment and family planning for patients with neurodegenerative disorders

Through the use of neuropsychological testing, our specialists examine how a patient’s neurological condition affects factors such as:

Executive functioning
Processing speed
Attention
Intellectual abilities

Language
Learning
Memory
Visuospatial abilities

Motor skills
Personality
Functional abilities
Employability

It is important to note that neuropsychological assessment is different from psychological assessment or psychiatric evaluation. While all are conducted by psychologists or psychiatrists, each involves different procedures.

Support Services

Our behavioral health teams provide care for the whole patient – body, mind, and spirit. With a focus on quality of life, we help connect patients and their families with support groups and other resources that can be tailored to meet their specific needs. Find out more about supportive services available for psychiatry and psychology patients.

Clinical Trials in Neuropsychology

UT Southwestern sponsors research programs in areas related to neuropsychology, including Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, and frontotemporal dementia.

Learn more about research in psychiatry, neurology, and neuroscience at UT Southwestern.