PSY6163 Neuropsychological assessment and neuropsychological syndromes

This subject has two components. In the Neuropsychological Assessment component, students will be introduced to the scientist-practitioner model of neuropsychology, incorporating a hypothesis testing approach to assessment. Students will be exposed to a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches designed to assess cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning. They will learn how to select which tests are most appropriate in specific clinical situations and how to administer, score and interpret each measure. Formulation and report writing skills will be imparted in addition to competencies relating to psychoeducation and recommendation provision. Specific issues regarding assessment of decision making capacity, acute assessment, longitudinal assessment and assessment of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will also be covered.

In the Neuropsychological Syndromes component, students will become familiar with the pathophysiology, principles of neuropsychological assessment, psychosocial and treatment issues relating to a number of the most common neuropsychological syndromes, including traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular disorders, dementias, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV-related disorders, neoplasms, epilepsy, neuropsychiatric disorders, drug and alcohol-related disorders. Sessions will feature guest lecturers who are experts in their fields.