FORENSIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Forensic neuropsychology applies neuropsychological assessment methods to the evaluation of criminal or civil litigants. The neuropsychological evaluation for forensic cases is comprehensive and generally take two to three days to complete.

Elements of the forensic neuropsychological evaluation:

•  Comprehensive clinical interview, obtaining history of development, medical illnesses, neurological conditions, trauma, psychiatric illnesses, substance use, medications, academic achievement, occupation, and social development

•  Detailed review of records from collateral sources of information (e.g., medical, psychiatric, educational, occupational)

•  Formal neuropsychological testing

•  Evaluation of current psychological status

•  Formal testing of motivation

Common issues addressed by the evaluation:

•  Assessment of cognitive and emotional functioning as related to trauma or injury

•  Civil competency (e.g., cognitive capacity to make medical decisions, cognitive capacity to execute or change a will)