According to recent findings, 1 in 5 Adults have a mental health condition. That's over 40 million Americans; more than the populations of New York and Florida combined (Mental Health America). A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner makes medical and psychiatric diagnoses, conducts physical and mental health assessments, designs treatment plans, prescribes medications, provides counseling and therapy, and takes on many other tasks to promote psychological health and well-being. Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed tasks used to measure functions in the brain. In looking at neurological testing in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, it is evident that one must focus on how neurological tests assist Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in diagnoses
…show more content…
Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed tasks used to measure a psychological function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway (WebMD). These types of tests not only tell what is wrong with the patient as well as the cause of the problem such as diseases, injuries, emotional disorders or normal brain changes. Scientists have had theories of associations between certain parts of the brain and functions as early as the 17th century which led to the development of these tests (Barry). Before these types of tests, doctors lacked non-surgical ways to observe the brain. There were many neuropsychologists that worked to progress the tests to get them to how they are today. Alexander Luria, a famous Soviet neuropsychologist, played a major role in defining neuropsychological testing (“Neuropsychological”). He formed the two principal goals which were localizing brain lesions and analyzing brain functions through behavioral observations (“Neuropsychological”). All in all, Neuropsychological tests have shaped the career of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioning and will continue to assist them in diagnosing and treating individuals in …show more content…
Neuropsychological testing is a valuable tool in the identification and description of many cognitive disorders which aids those who may be having problems (“Neuropsychological”). Screening tools are useful for assessment of those who may be in need of further evaluation. Studies show that people with mental health problems are more dangerous to themselves than they are to others: 90 percent of people who die through suicide in the US are experiencing some form of mental distress (“Violence”). Early diagnosis of disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc. is critical in terms of treatment effectiveness, future planning, and quality of life (“Violence”). Overall, the use of Neuropsychological testing contributes to a healthier mental state to all those that make up
Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed tasks used to measure a psychological function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway (WebMD). These types of tests not only tell what is wrong with the patient as well as the cause of the problem such as diseases, injuries, emotional disorders or normal brain changes. Scientists have had theories of associations between certain parts of the brain and functions as early as the 17th century which led to the development of these tests (Barry). Before these types of tests, doctors lacked non-surgical ways to observe the brain. There were many neuropsychologists that worked to progress the tests to get them to how they are today. Alexander Luria, a famous Soviet neuropsychologist, played a major role in defining neuropsychological testing (“Neuropsychological”). He formed the two principal goals which were localizing brain lesions and analyzing brain functions through behavioral observations (“Neuropsychological”). All in all, Neuropsychological tests have shaped the career of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioning and will continue to assist them in diagnosing and treating individuals in …show more content…
Neuropsychological testing is a valuable tool in the identification and description of many cognitive disorders which aids those who may be having problems (“Neuropsychological”). Screening tools are useful for assessment of those who may be in need of further evaluation. Studies show that people with mental health problems are more dangerous to themselves than they are to others: 90 percent of people who die through suicide in the US are experiencing some form of mental distress (“Violence”). Early diagnosis of disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc. is critical in terms of treatment effectiveness, future planning, and quality of life (“Violence”). Overall, the use of Neuropsychological testing contributes to a healthier mental state to all those that make up