Currently, there is controversy about the concept and scope of neuropsychology, as well as the training required to become a specialist in this discipline (Quemada & Echeburúa, 2008). Occasionally, in correspondence with Quemada & Echeburúa (2008), people fall into reductionism, that is, they think that the work of neuropsychologists is limited to performing psychometric evaluations of cognitive processes, especially attention, memory and executive functions.
However, neuropsychology is one of the broadest fields of psychology, which studies the relationship between the brain, its processes and behavior (Vélez, 2019). Although, its transcendental nature seems to be an emerging science, according to Vélez (2019), neuropsychology has been an area of interest in psychology for many years, and has expanded greatly thanks to technological advances in neuroimaging, genetics, and computer science.
Functions of Neuropsychologists
Performance of Neuropsychological Evaluations
The neuropsychologist acts in order to evaluate, assess and diagnose the higher psychological functions and affective behavioral states (de la Rosa, 2018; Vélez, 2019). The purpose is to know if the patient has a problem in order to understand the cause and meaning of the problem (de la Rosa, 2018). In short, according to the International University of Valencia (2017) and de la Rosa (2018), the neuropsychological evaluation is fundamental to understand if the patient has a brain damage or injury.
The first step, is to collect all the information about the patient and his or her disease, in order to start developing a medical history (Vélez, 2019). Subsequently, the most appropriate assessment tool should be selected according to the patient's profile and the process to be assessed. Finally, the previously chosen assessment tools should be used, since, these provide quantifiable information that can be used to compare the patient's performance with the general population. In this way, according to Vélez (2019), it is possible to see the difficulties encountered, as well as their attitude and understanding of the obstacles.
One of the main objectives of the neuropsychological evaluation is to perform a differential diagnosis (de la Rosa, 2018). This means distinguishing whether neuropsychological alterations have an organic basis or, on the contrary, are functional. De la Rosa (2018) mentions that an example is the differential diagnosis of major depressive disorder and dementia.
Similarly, the neuropsychological assessment process is used to study and detect those cases in which people simulate mental illness in legal proceedings in order to obtain a benefit (de la Rosa, 2018). The explanation, in accordance with de la Rosa (2018), is that sometimes professionals may have doubts about the accuracy of the impact and/or exaggeration of possible mental alterations.
Another application of neuropsychological assessment in the judicial field is the execution of forensic neuropsychological expert opinions, where the aim is to determine, with objectivity and precision, the difficulties faced by individuals and the impact these have on their daily lives (de la Rosa, 2018). In short, neuropsychological assessment is responsible for evaluating the biopsychosocial and professional consequences of neuropsychological illnesses.
In relation to the work setting, neuropsychological assessment after brain injury is performed to consider whether it is possible for the affected person to reintegrate into the workplace (de la Rosa, 2018). Likewise, cognitive, behavioral and emotional skills necessary for the exercise of certain positions can be assessed (de Miguel, Fernández & Koronis, 2004). Finally, according to de Miguel, Fernández & Koronis (2004), neuropsychological assessment in the workplace serves to evaluate the neuropsychological consequences of certain occupational diseases, such as exposure to toxins.
Finally, de la Rosa (2018) mentions that, in relation to children, neuropsychological assessment can focus on more specific aspects, such as, for example, the assessment of intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental disorders, special education needs, learning disorders, acquired brain injury, among others.
Neurorehabilitation
Neuropsychology cannot be understood without the concept of neurorehabilitation (Universidad Internacional de Valencia, 2017). This is because neuropsychologists are involved in the process of neuropsychological rehabilitation, which, is a procedure that includes the application of therapeutic techniques to improve behavior and cognitive dysfunction after injury or damage to the nervous system (Vélez, 2019). To this end, in correspondence with Vélez (2019), a series of objectives are established based on demand and specific implementation guidelines.
The main content of any neuropsychological intervention is to restore damaged functions, as much as possible, through cognitive stimulation (Vélez, 2019). However, Vélez (2019) mentions that, if it is not possible to restore cognitive function to previous levels, the aim is that, at least, the person can continue to perform daily activities with the help of complementary strategies.
In the same vein, any neuropsychological rehabilitation should be individualized and consulted by an interdisciplinary team (de la Rosa, 2018). However, in this work, family members should not be forgotten, since, the role of caregivers is fundamental (Vélez, 2019). Therefore, it is necessary to explain to them what happened to the patient and what this will mean for his or her life. Similarly, according to Vélez (2019), it is very valuable to teach caregivers coping strategies and ways to participate in rehabilitation.
Prevention of Brain Damage
According to the International University of Valencia, 2017 and de la Rosa (2018), there are many causes of brain damage, so neuropsychologists can intervene and develop programs and protocols aimed at protecting brain health, such as, for example, those programs related to drug use, since, neuropsychology can perfectly explain the damage they cause to the brain.
Research
Research in basic and applied neuropsychology helps to establish the theoretical-experimental framework and clinical evidence that facilitate advances in the knowledge of the anatomical-functional structures on which diagnostic evaluations and the implementation of intervention programs are based (de Miguel, Fernández & Koronis, 2004). In short, in correspondence with the International University of Valencia (2017), the improvement and prevention of mental illnesses are based on research.
Finally, neuropsychology should publish its scientific advances and experiences in the various media, as well as advocate for the establishment of scientific and professional societies and associations that support and promote its development (de Miguel, Fernández & Koronis, 2004). This is because, according to de la Rosa (2018), the human brain remains a mystery, so research in all fields is essential.
Teaching
Neuropsychologists with specialized training and experience can teach in public and private, health, social and educational centers and institutions through seminars, clinical sessions, courses and supervision of care activities (de Miguel, Fernández & Koronis, 2004). Neuropsychologists who teach in these settings can contribute to the development of the training of professionals in the area of neuropsychology and the care of patients with neurological and psychological disorders. They can also share their clinical experience and theoretical knowledge with other health professionals and students, which can help improve the quality of care provided to patients.
What Patients Does a Neuropsychologist Work With?
Neuropsychologists work with people of all ages (de la Rosa, 2018). They work primarily with infants in early care; children with developmental disabilities, especially autism, with language and learning difficulties; adults with brain damage; and older adults with dementia. According to de la Rosa (2018), they most often treat patients with neurological diseases caused by brain damage or or some injury caused by head trauma, brain tumor, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, among others.
Similarly, neuropsychologists often deal with older people concerned about memory problems, however, in many oocations, these problems may simply be due to normal cognitive changes during aging (de la Rosa, 2018). However, according to de la Rosa (2018), there are also cases where these problems are due to the presence of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
In addition, many mental illnesses, such as, for example, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, can alter certain cognitive functions and, in many cases, require neuropsychological testing (de la Rosa, 2018). Finally, in correspondence with de la Rosa (2018), it is important to emphasize that early detection of these problems is fundamental to establish adequate treatment.
References
de Miguel, T., Fernández, S., & Koronis, H. (2004). La Neuropsicología: Necesidades y repercusiones en la sociedad actual. Psicodoc.org. Recuperado 24 September 2021, a partir de http://www.psicodoc.org/edoc/92967.pdf
de la Rosa, M. (2018). Qué es la Neuropsicología. El papel del Neuropsicólogo en la actualidad.. Canal Educación y Sociedad. Recuperado 14 January 2021, a partir de https://revistadigital.inesem.es/educacion-sociedad/la-neuropsicologia-el-papel-del-neuropsicologo/
Quemada, J., & Echeburúa, E. (2008). Papelesdelpsicologo.es. Recuperado 15 January 2021, a partir de http://www.papelesdelpsicologo.es/pdf/1612.pdf
Universidad Internacional de Valencia. (2017). ¿Qué es la neuropsicología y qué hace un neuropsicólogo?. Universidadviu.com. Recuperado 14 January 2021, a partir de https://www.universidadviu.com/co/actualidad/nuestros-expertos/que-es-la-neuropsicologia-y-que-hace-un-neuropsicologo
Vélez, M. (2019). Funciones del neuropsicólogo - La Mente es Maravillosa. La Mente es Maravillosa. Recuperado 15 January 2021, a partir de https://lamenteesmaravillosa.com/funciones-del-neuropsicologo/
