What do neuropsychological tests aim to detect?

Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed to assess cognitive functions that are associated with various brain regions and to identify potential impairments attributable to brain injuries, neurological diseases, or developmental conditions. These tests involve a battery of tasks that evaluate areas such as memory, attention, problem-solving, language skills, and motor abilities. By analyzing an individual's performance across these cognitive domains, practitioners can infer the presence and extent of brain dysfunction, thereby aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

This approach is comprehensive as it links cognitive performance directly to underlying neural processes, distinguishing it from other forms of psychological assessment that may focus on emotional issues, personality characteristics, or social skills without providing insight into brain functioning.