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Computerized neuropsychological assessment

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Computerized neuropsychological assessment helps neuropsychologists and psychologists to assess functions relative to possible brain damage using a software. For more information about the tests, see Neuropsychological tests.

Available packages

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Currently there are some commercial packages available for buying. Once bought, they can be installed at a clinic and be used to assess patients.

Computerized versus traditional tests

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There are some discussions on the effectiveness of computerized tests. The detriments in using computerized versions are discussed in an article.[1]

Computerized tests have the following main benefits:

Speed

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Results are obtained as soon as the tests are finished – no need to consult tables or other informations.

Security

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Every rule is programmed in the software, so there will be no errors during the execution or getting the results.

Hemispheric asymmetry

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To assess different hemispheric functions, some packages offer verbal and non verbal tests. These tests are applied according to Neuropsychological tests.

Development at universities

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By having clinical applications, some universities develop their own packages, like University of Cambridge (CANTAB - Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery [1]) and Universidade Federal de São Paulo (NAFW - Neuropsychological Assessment Framework [2], LAACS - Lateralized Attention Assessment Computerized System [3] and ThoughtFlow-Sys [4]).

List of software

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References

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  1. ^ Cernich, A.; Brennana, D.; Barker, L.; Bleiberg, J. (2007). "Sources of error in computerized neuropsychological assessment". Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology. 22: 39–48. doi:10.1016/j.acn.2006.10.004. PMID 17097851.
  • ^ CANTAB
  • ^ LAACS
  • ^ NAFW
  • ^ UNIFESP-DIS
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