An emotional injury may be caused by events ranging from humiliation or embarrassment from a spouse or co-worker all the way to an assault or rape. The depth and severity of emotional injury may be additionally appreciated through targeted psychological testing. Such testing supplements history to probe the range of diagnoses, beyond the most readily identified conditions such as PTSD or depression.
When a person claims cognitive deficits, such as memory loss or confusion, neuropsychological testing is an objective way to demonstrate whether any cognitive dysfunction might reflect depression, anxiety, or other conditions. Sorting out cognitive problems from emotional conditions – which are typically reversible – from more longstanding effects of brain damage or developmental shortcomings is an important consideration of testing. Using the available history and testing findings, the Forensic Panel’s neuropsychologists have the high level of expertise to distinguish transient cognitive problems from more enduring conditions, especially when imaging data is available as well.
The Forensic Panel’s careful individual focus elicits latent aspects of psychological and neuropsychological problems that may have significantly disabling consequences – or not. The oversight and guidance provided by peer-review promotes a diligence, objectivity, and attention to detail that facilitates the primary expert examiner’s ability to submit a final report, which passes the most critical scrutiny and reflects the utmost integrity. Frequently these clear and cogent reports of scientific certainty can resolve disputes without the necessity of advancing to trial.