St Joseph's Hospital
Clinical Psychology
The Department of Clinical Psychology at St. Joseph 's Hospital comprises two full-time Clinical Neuropsychologists. Clinical Neuropsychologists are psychologists who have undergone specialised training in the assessment and management of persons with brain dysfunction. Neuropsychology is primarily concerned with the relationship between brain function and behaviour and involves the measurement and evaluation of cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning through interview, observation and psychological testing. Patients are referred for neuropsychological assessment for various reasons:
- to determine the absence/presence of brain dysfunction;
- to assist in the diagnosis of the possible causes of brain dysfunction;
- to describe a person's cognitive strengths and weaknesses;
- to differentiate between psychiatric, medical and degenerative conditions;
- to identify the contribution of psychological issues to overall functioning (e.g. anxiety and depression).
In practical terms, neuropsychological assessment contributes to:
- the development of practical strategies to compensate for existing cognitive weaknesses;
- the development of rehabilitation programs;
- examining specific issues such as return to work and study;
- assessment of a person's ability to perform safely when behind the wheel of a car;
- to assist in medico-legal decisions such as Power of Attorney, Guardianship, and Testamentary Capacity;
- patient and family support through education/counselling regarding neuropsychological conditions;
- effective management of a person's psychological well being;
- the design and imple mentation of behaviour management programs.
