Psychological testing in adolescent medicine

Psychological and neuropsychological assessment remains an important aspect of clinical evaluation in adolescents with psychiatric and neurologic disorders. The primary care practitioner can refer for psychological and neuropsychological assessment when cognitive, behavioral, or psychiatric problems appear to be affecting the adolescent's learning, psychosocial development, or overall functioning. The most appropriate assessment depends upon the diagnostic issue at hand. Most referrals will include IQ and achievement testing to assess for learning disabilities; behavioral and personality assessment to aid in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment planning; and neuropsychological testing for more complex issues, such as the impact of neurological disorders and injuries on cognition and behavior. The patient can be referred to the school psychologist for IQ and achievement testing that complements any additional testing that may be required to help determine the best intervention. Psychological assessment can be invaluable in the early identification and intervention of learning, behavioral, and psychiatric difficulties in adolescents.