Colorado Springs is one of the most densely populated cities in Colorado. More population means more cases of ADHD and other neuropsychological disorders.
The beautiful views of the Rockies, the Pikes Peak, and the Garden of Gods Park are no respite to those suffering from depression.
Colorado ranked 43rd best state in Mental Health America’s list of states with the best mental health.
Neuropsychological testing in Colorado Springs is designed to measure the psychological functioning linked to a particular brain pathway or structure.
Early detection and intervention can help the patient lead a normal and healthy life. This is what you should expect in neuropsychological testing for depression:
Memory Test
Memory is a network of complex abilities that can be severely impaired. It requires testing of individual functions using several tests.
Some memory tests that may be used are Benton Visual Retention Test, California Verbal Learning Test, Cambridge Prospective Memory Test (CAMPROMPT), Gollin figure test, Memory Assessment Scales (MAS), and Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM).
Language Test
Neuropsychological testing in Colorado Springs also consists of language tests including, speech, reading, and writing.
They use methods like Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, Boston Naming Test, Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT), and Multilingual Aphasia Examination.
Executive Function Test
These are higher-order skills used in decision-making, selective attention, problem-solving, organization skills, and inhibitory control.
There are several tests used to assess each of these skills. Some of the tests include BADS, CNS Vital Signs (Brief Core Battery), Continuous performance task (CPT), Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS), etc., to name a few.
Visuospatial Test
Your eyes are your windows to the entire world. Patients with depression, however, perceive the world differently than regular people.
Therefore, a visuospatial test plays a vital role in assessing this function of their brain. The tests used are the Clock Test, Hooper Visual Organisation Task (VOT), and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure.
They test the areas of visual construction, perception, and integration.
While Colorado scored poorly on the best mental health scale, the state ranked a little better, 17th, on the parameter of those seeking mental health help.
It suggests that there is widespread awareness about depression, and people suffering from it are seeking help.
Dementia Specific Test
Cognitive functions are the most often affected by depression. The tests used for this purpose are the Clinical Dementia Rating and Dementia Rating Scale.
The tests, though not conclusive, they are a fair indicator of the presence and severity of dementia.
Assessing Multiple Neuropsychological Functions
Several test batteries combine a variety of tests to assess the cognitive functions of the patient. Some of these tests help rule out functions that are up to the mark, thus helping identify those functions that are impaired.
Some tests include BNT, CANTAB, Cognistat (The Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination), CASI, and Cognitive Function Scanner.
Intelligence
Intelligence tests in a research setting are relatively straightforward, but not so in clinical settings. This is because, in a clinical setting, the test results need to be compared to estimates.
Neuropsychological testing in Colorado Springs are tests designed to diagnose deficits in the functioning of particular brain structures or pathways.
They allow the comparison of the patient’s results to a suitable sample and provide a fair assessment of the patient’s cognitive functioning. Accurate estimates allow for effective intervention.
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