What is the purpose of neuropsychological tests?

The purpose of neuropsychological tests is to differentiate cognitive deficits from normal functioning. These assessments are designed to evaluate various cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, language skills, and problem-solving capabilities. By comparing an individual's performance to normative data, clinicians can identify specific areas of cognitive impairment that may arise from brain injury, neurological disorders, or other conditions affecting cognitive functioning. This differentiation is crucial in diagnosing various psychological and neurological disorders, developing treatment plans, and tracking cognitive changes over time.

The other options focus on different aspects of psychological evaluation or intervention. While therapeutic interventions are essential in the broader scope of treatment, they are not the primary focus of neuropsychological testing. Similarly, assessing behavioral changes over time and evaluating emotional reactions to stress are valuable in their own right but do not specifically pertain to the core objective of neuropsychological testing, which centers on cognitive functioning.