What is the difference between psychology and neuropsychology?
Some people could find psychology and neuropsychology as redundant terms. Generally, they are similar if we consider our thoughts and feelings to belong to our brains, but there are some aspects to take into account. They will be described briefly here to see boundaries more clearly.
Psychology, as a broad field, involves subfields like neuropsychology. Psychology is divided into several areas depending on universities and professional practices worldwide. For instance, in the Universidad Nacional Autonóma de Mexico in Mexico UNAM, Clinical Neuropsychology is one of the eleven postgraduate programs in which early neuropsychologists are trained at hospitals as well as receive research classes for two years. That is why their clinical practice is based on scientific evidence.
Neuropsychology is part of clinical practices primarily based on medical models due to the need to explain behavioral changes after brain injury. Of course, there are models merely psychological, and their treatments are not typically pharmacological. Still, a neuropsychologist requires knowledge of the biological basis of behaviors and closely collaborates with neurologists, especially in hospital interdisciplinary groups.
Clinical neuropsychology is an applied field in which professionals employ methods and techniques to support adults and children with brain injuries and developmental or degenerative impairments, improving daily activities. The core practice is the assessment using standardized tests and qualitative analysis to determine a cognitive profile. Moreover, the following sessions are dedicated to rehab or stimulation. They are also skilled in handling feelings and adaptative behavior depending on their degree of specialization in psychopathology or counseling.
Many people looking for a psychological service wonder how to choose the right therapist. A clinical neuropsychologist is ideal if you need support with memory difficulties, cannot focus, cannot speak or understand correctly, and have other cognitive dysfunctions that alter daily activities. Some common reasons for consultation are memory decline which differs from the average cognitive decline in older people; language use changes after a stroke or traumatic brain injury in adults; and difficulties paying attention in children and adolescents. Each of them will require knowledge of adult or pediatric approaches. Likewise, children can have cognitive changes due to acquired brain injury, or adults with developmental problems will need a combined approach.
These boundaries delimitate neuropsychology as a psychology specialization to detect and intervene in mental functions — cognitive changes or decline in adults and non-typical cognitive development in children are the main reasons for consultation.
