What can I expect when going for my neuropsychological evaluation?

[@ErikISkogen]

With adhd its easier to watch this sped up to 1.25 ;) Because i have to hyperfocus and dont fall out so easely. Like that the phone come and go, and that her hand sometimes reflects in the silver lamp piece.

[@laurapitts8025]

1.5 minimum lol

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for the feedback! It is funny because I am often told I speak too quickly. Nonetheless, glad you are able to adjust the speed setting to suit your preferences! Thanks for watching.

[@brendalg4]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain I think I may have ADHD and I thought you were fine

[@TLKK2020]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain no offense but I thought you were talking slow on purpose for the video lol

[@TLKK2020]

Yes I watch videos sped up as well as I am impatient with what knowledge I’m anticipating to hear and learn about

[@iris_0404]

Thanks for this I’m 16 I struggle soooo bad with school I did a neuropsychology test back in 2018 then I told my therapist a few years later (this year) that school wasn’t going well so she told me it was necessary to do another one So I’m going in December 😊

[@iris_0404]

I went and it was a lot but very glad I went I don’t know the results because my mom hasn’t told me yet but I hope we can discuss it

[@luisjose7905]

@@iris_0404 keep us updated

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I hope the process was enlightening and empowering for you! Thank you for sharing!

[@ErikISkogen]

@@iris_0404 How is it going?

[@grizzthegreen4500]

How did it go?

[@Spectre2434]

It's good to have a video. A lot of therapists and social workers don't have any understanding of neuropsychologist evaluation.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thank you for your message, and I am glad that you found it helpful! Best of luck on your journey!

[@thefelinefocus3231]

This was very helpful and made me less nervous! Thank you!

[@tiffanybjork3951]

me too! thank you both!

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I am so glad! Happy that this was helpful!

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

My pleasure- so glad it helped!

[@bellinkaya5782]

Thank you for creating your channel and videos! Few people in my school really know what neuropsychologists do! This autumn, I will start my first year studying cognitive neuropsychology and your content reassures my desire to study in this domain.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thank you for your message- I wish you well on your journey!

[@micheller3251]

Gonna have a zoom call first session this thursday, I'm stressed af, and also very thrilled, and a bit scared...

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I hope you found the session was informative, and the entire process helpful!

[@micheller3251]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain it was! They weren't the actual tests yet, but she did answer some questions about a trait or two that I have (in case anyone else has this trait and wonders: I can't read out loud and understand what I'm reading, she told me because I'm highly sensitive there's a good chance that the sound and vibrations of my own voice can overstimulate me and keep me from understanding the actual words I'm reading)

[@echastee]

In going to see a neuropsych because of my tbi and mental illness. Im super excited and I hope they help me out.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I wish you the best on your journey!

[@echastee]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain thank you so much. I'm excited to learn more about my brain injury. I had an MRI and I was surprised that they said I had changes in my brain possibly from my tbis. So I'm interested to see what they say.

@@echastee happy brain injury awareness month, did you get out?

[@skwooby]

im going to see a neuropsychologist for the first time soon, apparently im going for appointments for around 3 months. Im sort of nervous since im being tested for things i never thought i would have a year ago!! Im really happy that this video showcases how the experience goes, it makes me feel much better about it.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

So glad to hear the video is helpful, and I hope your experience is informative! Be well!

[@InspirationEmPire25]

What does it mean when an assessment is only half an hour long

[@skwooby]

@@InspirationEmPire25 everyones different! Im having an extensive test done, but it'll take around 9 hours in total so it's really just spaced out. If you're getting one in 30 minutes, you may have another session or you've done the test already.

[@InspirationEmPire25]

@@skwooby oh ok

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

@@InspirationEmPire25 it may be that the person is only conducting a screening evaluation, or has a very specific area of functioning he/she is assessing. I spoke about my methods, but many folks do things differently! Best of luck!

[@runhardhooah]

I was diagnosed adhd in my early 30s because I was having trouble writing numbers down from containers onto papers, and then from papers into excel, and that sort of thing. I was never given this neuropsychological testing, and now at 37 I want to be a pilot, and I'm going to have to shell out $2K to see if I can even make the cut. It's a gamble to take this testing, but at the same time, even if I fail the FAA requirements within this realm, I'll know myself better and I'll be able to get back on meds if I want to. Personally, I'd love to never take meds again, and so far I'm doing well. My job continually deals with numbers and tedious entries, etc., and I'm not screwing up like back then 6 years ago. I think it's very possible that I wasn't sleeping enough. Anyhow, for almost a month now I've been off all meds, and things are going well! Thanks for the video.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for the note- I wish you all the best in your journey!

[@kbarton6063]

Did you take the FAA NEUROpscyh test yet?

[@runhardhooah]

@@kbarton6063 I'm still waiting. The FAA received my packet on August 11. No word back yet as of today, Nov 1. Have been fighting temptations to go back on meds. I probably do definitely have ADD/depression. Am starting to reason with myself. What's the point of decreased quality of life on the ground for maybe a few hours a month in the sky? Would just be a general aviator---I don't want to pursue a professional pilot career due to my age and the risk involved in switching to that path and accruing probably at least $60k debt. Still, I'd like to hold out till they write me and tell me next steps or if I'm denied. Am hoping for a denial at this point too more than "go and get tested, see a psychiatrist, etc. Just tell me no and I'll get back on meds and will be a lot happier I think.

[@NathanNascarLee]

@@runhardhooahhave you tested yet?

[@runhardhooah]

@@NathanNascarLee I did not, Nathan. the FAA denied me instead of instructing me to get tge testing. Ultimately I had too much of a rocky late adolescent years for them to feel comfortable. Is all good tho. If i hit it big ill lobby for sport pilot privileges after denial, and hopefully can win. Their reasoning for denial of sport pilot cert is absolutely twisted. They act oblivious to the fact that many light sport pilots dont get that certificate because they know they wont pass private medical or higher. But certainly they arent stupid. They want to appear thorough in the language. Antly intelligent person can see their double standard tho

[@jmgb2954]

Thank you for sharing this video! Back in high school, I had a passion for heading into the Neuropysch field and slowly fell out of it. Now, going back to University, my passion has come back and I decided to give Neuropsych another go. I appreciate all of the information you provide. In my case, I am going for a BS in Psychology. God bless 🙏🏼

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Congratulations! That is wonderful news! I hope you enjoy the field as much as I do (if not more!) and best of luck to you on your journey!

[@johnscards4633]

Thanks for sharing. I was recently scheduled for a neuropsychological eval at Loma Linda University because of a recent M.S. attack that left me with zero attention span and my short term memory is horrible. I was diagnosed with M.S. two years ago at 52yo. On retuximab IV therapy q6mos, but they skipped the last treatment because of covid and I had the attack. Starting to think I will just take early retirement with my toes in the sand and collect shells.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I am sorry to hear of your struggles, and hope you found the evaluation process helpful! Be well!

[@araysia51]

I was diagnosed with M.S in 2004. I'm currently 41. I am scheduled to have this test done. I'm having issues with memory, short attention span, etc. I'm a paramedic and I have been on sick leave for 6 months now. I may have to find another profession.

[@johnscards4633]

@@araysia51 I was diagnosed at 52. I am 55 now. I failed the test and I am now retired. My short term memory sucks and I have problems coming up with words. A trip to the grocery store for a couple of things takes two trips because I always forget something. The stress of not going to work has helped and I forgot what I was going to say. Good luck and take care.

[@mercy1757]

Lol😂 and I forgot what I was going to say…. I’m in the same shoes but the devil is a lie I will win! Continue to put God 1st and your light will continue to shine this ugly darkness completely away! In the Mighty name of Jesus!!!!🙏🏽

[@johnicka711]

Mine wasn’t as “pleasant” as yours is. I didn’t catch that mine was going to be four hours. I also didn’t expect that this was going to hurt as much as it did. My head was really spinning. I too asked for the session to end. She told me flat out I have to finish. I was clearly visually stressed and in pain. She did not care. I felt really embarrassed.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for your message, and I am sorry to hear you did not have as good of an experience as anticipated. The sessions can be long and tiring, and that can make them challenging. I hope the results were helpful, and I wish you all the best on your journey!

[@elijahrose7913]

Enjoyed watching this. Ty

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Hi Elijah, thank you so much- I am so glad you enjoyed! Best of luck to you on your journey!

[@k8tybe11e]

Wow. I didnt even know i needed to know this information before watching this video. Thank you very much for sharing 👍👍

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thank you for watching- I wish you all the best on your journey!

[@Keys31880]

Just had my eval. Worried about missing one of the names of a picture of a product that i was unfamiliar with not because i wouldnt recall the name of it. Pretty much thinking back on each part of the test that I know i messed up on! Would that normally be of concern? Also the fast math they had me doing! I just spaced out by that one.

[@mil7498]

since you posted this video 2 years ago i’m unsure if you’ll answer, but it’s worth asking anyway! i am studying psychology at a great university, and would love to get into the neuropsychology field, but i’m unsure of how it would pay since nobody talks about it, would you say it’s worth it, or should i stick to another more lucrative path even though neuro is my passion

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for your post. I find this field is incredibly rewarding because of the many paths you can take and the many ways you can use your skills to support individuals and families. Financially, there are many career paths as a neuropsychologist that can make a substantial amount of money (although that is subjective), so I would encourage you to review the most recent edition of the Salary Survey in The Clinical Neuropsychologist (TCN) journal. It breaks down how much neuropsychologists make in different regions, by how many years of experience, based on what types of clients they see, etc. I hope that helps you on your journey!

[@enduringbird]

Thanks so much for making this video. I'm really nervous about getting tested but this video helped a lot. I know so strongly that something isn't right with me but I'm afraid testing won't find what it is because I've been practicing hiding it for so many years. Plus my last psychiatrist didn't listen to me. She just keep increasing my medicine when I was telling her my new symptoms where because of the medicine. And so they just kept getting worse and worse until I quit going and weaned myself off myself. It was such a bad experience.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

It is my pleasure- I am so glad it was helpful to you. I hope your experience goes better in the future, and that you find the testing an empowering experience! Best of luck to you on your journey!

[@chooseaname1423]

Do you have any input tegarding taking the evaluation on adhd medication or without it? I took my first exam 2 years ago without the medication and want to compare my upciming test to that without medication as well, but their instructions say to stay on regular medications….but of course this medication will improve my results. Also, the first time I took the exam, I had an acute trauma the week before and I was upset that it painted my results in a way as if those were my natural way of being (increased anxiety and sadness….which were both normal for the event). Now this next test will be taken during a time of major trauma and upset in my life so I’m concerned I could be diagnosed/labeled as having a mental illness when in reality my increased anxiety/depression are normal in response to the level of trauma). Do you have any tips on how to navigate the testing with the psychologist so that is taken in to consideration? Its scary because the report can be used against me in court and also I have real medical conditions that I worry will be overlooked and blamed on emotional factors. Any advice you have would be much appreciated.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for your message. I encourage you to speak openly about the concerns with your neuropsychologist so they can gather a comprehensive understanding of your abilities. There are multiple schools of thought about testing on medication vs. off, but it is often tailored to the client. Again, my best advice is to speak directly with your treating provider, and I wish you all the best on your journey!

[@zakironldo4783]

Can this test be diagnosed myasthenia gravis

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

This type of testing can characterize the functioning of an individual with myasthenia gravis, or can identify muscle weaknesses that may then indicate a need for follow up with a neurologist, but this testing would not typically result in a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis without further medical workup. Best of luck on your journey!

[@militantpacifist4087]

I’m just going because they told me I had to go since I have epileptic seizures and I want surgery done on my brain. I don’t have any drug addiction and neither am I an alcoholic or smoke tobacco.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I hope the experience was productive and insightful! Best of luck to you on your journey!

[@MessyMullato]

How was your surgery?

[@DrumWild]

I have to do one of these next week because the "doctor" who tested and diagnosed me with High-Functioning Autism won't return requests for paperwork regarding my condition. I'm doing mine via video. Being Autistic stinks, especially when it comes to finding a job or keeping one. I often wish to not wake up.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I hope you find the process to be informative and more positive than you expect. There are many ways that having a diagnosis can be empowering, though I am sorry that you are struggling with keeping a job. I am not your doctor, but if you are having feelings of self-harm call emergency services immediately (911). Take care and be well.

[@brad349miller]

Did you know that Americans don’t have a right to view their psych charts? That’s right, you aren’t allowed to view what they’re writing about you. They can say anything they want about you and you can’t verify it or disagree with any of it. These psychologists are human and capable of error but you’re not allowed to challenge them or review their work for accuracy.

[@ronironi5280]

I hope you feel better! We all should feel good enough to wake up in the mornings! Please don’t feel that way.

[@hankhill3417]

Everyone has mental issues. Some hide them better

[@d4ndro1d3]

Hello! Good stuff. Would you make a video sometime on evidence-based resources for clinicians? For example, what do you think of Elisabeth Sherman. (2020). Compendium of Neuropsychological Tests: Fundamentals of Neuropsychological Assessment and Test Reviews for Clinical Practice. OxfordUniversity Press US? The textbooks from the USA are very expensive in my country but I try to collect them when I can. Thanks! Keep up the good work.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Great question- the Compendium is a wonderful resource, and though I have not yet seen her 2020 version, the prior iteration of that book is a staple in the field for sure. Are there particular types of texts you are looking to obtain? (e.g., those for a lay audience, classic texts in the field, etc?) I will do my best to include my go-to resources in future videos!

[@d4ndro1d3]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain Awesome! First, i'm interested in textbooks that represent a synthesis of the current scientific field (so new, up to date manuals); I already visit scientific journals but you know, having a compressed group of information is always useful. Second, I would like to know as much as I can about neuropsychological assessment. I already have some materials, I even started a list on Goodreads (here, you can check it out - www.goodreads.com/list/show/122586.Neuropsychology - feel free to add stuff) but I really want to know what a professional with an academic background in the field would recommend. Thanks a lot :)

[@juliak7443]

Hi, I’m considering studying this subject. I was wondering how often do you see clients, is it just one session, 2 or 3 times or regular checkups? I suppose it would vary but it would be super helpful if you could answer :)

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I typically see clients for a full-day evaluation (one day), but I will break it into two half-day sessions, if needed. There is not often occasion for follow-up visits after the assessment, beyond the feedback session. I hope that helps!

[@juliak7443]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain it does help, thank you very much !

[@CamrynSullivan]

thank you so much for this!

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

My pleasure! I hope you found it helpful!

[@skiptheboxingkangaroo]

Do you perform FAA examinations?

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for the comment. I do not, at the moment, but this is something many neuropsychologists do!

[@skiptheboxingkangaroo]

@NJ Brain Health apparently not in Northern Cal. There's only one in San Francisco.

[@OYUKISUE]

I’m just so confused on what and where to get help. my 9 year old was diagnosed at 6 yro by psychiatrist with adhd and she had a speech a delay at that time, I did not want any medication when she was so young. now I have changed my mind. The problem is that the school has her with autism I don’t agree with her evaluation of autism I see more her adhd my question should I take her with a neurologist or with the psychiatrist? Which one would be able to help her and tell me what’s going on in her brain.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Hi Susie, I am sorry to hear you are struggling and would encourage you to speak directly with your child's medical team for advice on your particular situation. Best of luck to you on your journey!

[@OYUKISUE]

@yuqinglee7583 sir you are a scammer.

[@evillolipop2704]

Going this Friday

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thank you for your comment. I hope your experience was positive and productive. Best of luck to you on your journey!

[@tremonishamontanezbrown1549]

Where are you from do you take Be Healthy Partnership?

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

My practice is in New Jersey, though I am out of network for all insurances. Thank you for your interest in these videos!

[@madijohl7933]

Mine is tomorrow and I’m so nervous

[@FlyingMonet]

How was it?

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I'm sorry I did not get to respond before your evaluation, but I hope you were pleasantly surprised by the experience!

[@josephwhigham3490]

You said there be different people in there one talking to me and one person typing I’m going to have a sensory overload. I’m going in next week on Tuesday I just wanna know what I have I want to know if I’m on the spectrum I feel like an alien people don’t understand me

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for your message. There may be multiple individuals, or there may be only one- it largely depends on the way the neuropsychologist structures their practice. In my practice, I work with the client one-to-one, and do not have technicians or other individuals in the room. This can differ across settings, and is a good question to ask before your evaluation so that you can be prepared. Best of luck on your journey!

[@josephwhigham3490]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain thank you

[@peb3159]

I might have paranoia and autism wish me luck friends 😳💕🎶🥰🥺✌️👏😊💁🏼

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I hope the evaluation was of benefit to you!

[@jenalucas92]

Do they focus on cognitive issues and slow reaction time?

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for the message. Yes, a neuropsychologist would look at things like your speed of processing and your cognitive skills. I hope that helps!

[@genesisniebles9859]

Hi, I liked this information, thank you. Where did study neuropsychology? I would like study a masters´degree.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

My pleasure, thank you for watching! I completed my graduate degrees at the University of Miami.

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

I hope my neuropsychologist is as nice as her.

[@bluemamba5317]

Have you found out yet?

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

@@bluemamba5317 there’s a shortage of those docs here in Oregon, thanks for asking!

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Hi Tim, thank you for the kind words. I hope that your experience is positive, and one that provides you with lots of helpful information! Best of luck to you on your journey!

[@CheetahSnowLeopard]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain Thank you Dr. Ghilain!

[@xLovebirdx]

What if someone is too ill to make it to testing. Do they just never get evaluated?

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

That's a great question. Often there are neuropsychologists that are embedded in hospital settings, so there are opportunities to be evaluated while staying at the hospital. I hope this helps, and best of luck to you on your journey!

[@johnware7816]

Number 1 rule be honest

[@syntaxsoulbender9908]

Thank you 😊

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

My pleasure! So glad you found the information helpful.

[@Unclebuns72]

Is this also called Biofeedback?

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Great question! It is not- neuropsychology services are paper and pencil tasks, tasks on a computer or iPad, or tasks on a computer.

[@TontoRita-dc4xb]

I had my first one today at osu

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I hope it was a positive experience! Best of luck on your journey!

[@RaneBane]

Nothing is a secret unless workers comp is involved, then secrets and lies, right? Lol. I got a 2 day one coming up for a brain injury I sustained on the job. I can barely finish a phone call without wanting to scream at somebody. This should be fun

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

I remain transparent with WC clients who come for evaluations, as my goal is to accurately and reliably quantify cognitive skills and abilities. I hope your experience went better than anticipated, and wish you well on your journey!

[@RaneBane]

Im just looking at who is funding this 2 day evaluation. I don't imagine the honest psychs get much business from WC anyway. They want to send me on a ferry to see someone almost 3 hrs away for a 2 day eval. I saw three neuros all saying the same thing. Now I have to go see a hand picked neuro psych who lives nowhere near me. Second biggest city in Canada and I'm taking a ferry to an island? Smells like more bias bs. I hate talking to people for 5 minutes my brain is like a turbine it just keeps spinning itself up until I'm yelling. I'm going to get arrested 🤣😅

[@grizzthegreen4500]

Thank you 🙏🏾💙👑

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

My pleasure! So glad you found it helpful!

[@kendrakinard7580]

I can’t even pay attention to this .

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

That is fair! Sometimes it is hard to pay attention to videos online, particularly if you have watched many in a row. Perhaps take a break and return to see if it is better after a break? If not, it may be that my style of video is not the best fit for you- that can absolutely happen. Best of luck on your journey!

[@FadiAlameddine-l4w]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Thanks for watching!

[@dmcristal4887]

Do you have a lot patients who cry I’m so scared I’m gonna be crying like a baby and the doctor is just gonna be like get this dumb dumb some antidepressants and get out of here, because this stupid disease, MS, has taken everything from me, even my thinking and it is so scary.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

It is perfectly normal to be nervous for a new and unfamiliar evaluation. I am hopeful that the doctor you work with will help you to feel better, and support you during the testing process. I wish you all the best on your journey!

[@mohammedmm7671]

Is it a painful evaluation? Because you said the word "pain" twice. 😂

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

Ha! I have had more than one client arrive to my office expecting dark rooms and hours-long tests, so I try to emphasize the lack of pain involved! That said, fatigue is common, as you spend the day completing many short activities, so I try to be as transparent with clients as possible. Nonetheless, no physical pain involved (twice more in this reply!).

[@mohammedmm7671]

@@LearnAboutTheBrain that's very comforting. I'm having in 2 days. Thank u. That helped a lot

[@86maximaa]

I wanted a male to test me. As I see women, I start to get nervous.

[@LearnAboutTheBrain]

It is great that you have identified your preference. There are absolutely male clinical neuropsychologists, and I hope you have connected with one. Best of luck on your journey!