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| March 2007 |
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Getting to grips with neuropsychologyBrain Awareness Week runs from 12 to 18 March 2007. This article covers some aspects of Neuropsychology research conducted at the MRC Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders.Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behaviour relationships. This field of study related to the brain and its functions, has its origins in both psychology and neurology. Neuropsychology can be used to diagnose the nature of an underlying problem, to understand the nature of any brain injury or resulting cognitive problem and its impact on the individual, and to measure change in functioning over time (e.g. after surgery or a rehabilitation programme). A core part of neuropsychological assessment is the administration of neuropsychological tests for the formal assessment of cognitive functioning. Neuropsychological tests are used to offer an estimate of a person's peak underlying ability and current cognitive functioning. Specifically designed tasks are used to measure a psychological function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway. The major cognitive domains typically assessed are long term memory, abstract reasoning, attention, concentration, executive functioning, visual-spatial thinking, visuoperception, motor skills and other psychological factors. Neuropsychological testing is an important component of the assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury, dementia, neurological conditions, and psychiatric disorders. It is also central in examining the effects of toxic substances and medical conditions on brain functioning. At the MRC Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders, neuropsychological tests are an important component of the assessment process. When used in conjunction with a thorough assessment of emotional and psychological factors, these tests allow the researchers to identify possible links between certain psychological conditions and particular cognitive deficits. For example, does exposure to a traumatic event and resultant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) lead to the development of specific memory and concentration problems. With the Bathuthuzele project the brain structure of those adolescents with PTSD are being compared to those without PTSD in order to determine whether such deficits can indeed be inferred. This can have important implications in the development of future treatments of PTSD. At the Bathuthuzele Youth Stress Clinic, patients between 8-18 years of age, who
have been severely traumatised (usually through violence), and are exhibiting
traumatic stress symptoms (but do not necessarily have posttraumatic stress
disorder) are provided with 3 free assessments to determine if they do, in fact,
have post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychiatric problems. This conists
of: Depending on the condition of the patient, the clinic psychologists will refer them to community clinics or to other psychiatric facilities in their residential area, where treatment is also free. These assessments are repeated a year later. Parental consent is sought to use the data obtained in studies running at the
Unit. Even if a child has not been through a trauma, the Centre may be contacted
for details on community psychiatric facilities and services in other areas
around the country. - MHIC More information:
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For more information, please contact the Mental Health Information Centre
(Tel 021 938 9229 or