Dr Sara Fratti MPsych(ClinNeuro), PhD, MAPS, FCCN
Dr Sara Fratti MPsych(ClinNeuro), PhD, MAPS, FCCN
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Diagnostic, Medico-Legal & Capacity Assessments
The assessment process
The assessment consists of an initial interview, addressing your concerns, and a testing session involving a number of "paper and pencil" tests. The tests identify the areas of your brain potentially affected by any damage and how such changes may impact your day-to-day functioning.
The skills most commonly assessed during a neuropsychological assessment are:
- Attention & concentration
- Speed of information processing
- Language abilities
- New learning and memory
- Executive functions such as problem-solving, goal-oriented behaviours and self-monitoring
Will my information will be kept confidential?
Yes. Dr Fratti will ask for your consent to speak to (or collect information from) other medical professionals or workers involved in your care and people who know you well, such as family, friends and case managers. Such information is vital to form a picture of your thinking skills, mood and behaviour and to assess whether these have changed over time due to your condition. Such information will be included in the report that is addressed to your referrer or any other relevant health care specialist or case worker that you might want to include in the report.
There are instances, however, when psychologists are required to break confidentiality:
According to the Code of Ethics of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) psychologists have the duty of care to breach confidentiality if they believe you pose a harm to yourself or others; if they believe a child or an elder is being abused, neglected, or molested; or if they are directed by a court of law.
How long will the assessment take?
Generally, interviews and tests can take up to 4 hours. Some assessments, however, may be shorter or are completed over several sessions. Some people may take longer to do the tests because of their difficulties with concentration, the effects of their medication or the need for several breaks due to fatigue.
What to do before the assessment?
Drugs, alcohol and some medications may affect your ability to perform your best. Continue to take any prescription medication; just let the neuropsychologist know the name and dose of any medications you are taking. If you wear reading glasses or hearing aids, remember to bring them with you.
What happens after the assessment?
At the end of the session, you may receive some general feedback about how you performed. However, the results take some time to be finalised . A comprehensive written report may take up to 3 weeks to deliver, depending on the complexity of the case and type of information that needs to be sourced. The report contains a detailed description of areas of strengths and, or, significant change in your abilities and provide recommendations to help you manage your daily life more effectively. It will also discuss any particular concerns raised by you, a carer or family member, or the referrer. In addition, a written feedback is also prepared for you to keep which consists of a summary of the findings. Depending on the case, a one-on-one feedback session can be also arranged to discuss the results of your assessment.