Exclusive Service
Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Assessment
Our Approach
At The London Neurocognitive Clinic, our child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment service offers a comprehensive, developmentally informed evaluation for young people whose psychiatric presentation may be linked to neurological factors. We assess presentations including behavioural and emotional changes following brain injury, epilepsy-related psychiatric symptoms, autoimmune and neuroinflammatory psychiatric conditions in young people, functional neurological disorder (FND), and complex neurodevelopmental presentations with co-occurring psychiatric features. Our aim is to provide an integrated understanding that bridges neurological and psychiatric perspectives, clarifying diagnosis and informing appropriate next steps.
What happens during a child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment?
A child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment includes a detailed clinical interview exploring psychiatric symptoms, cognitive and behavioural changes, and emotional presentation, with particular attention to the relationship between these and any known or suspected neurological factors. The assessment is adapted to be age-appropriate, ensuring the young person feels comfortable and supported throughout.
We gather a thorough developmental, neurological, and family history, and where relevant, the assessment may draw on collateral information from those who know the young person well, as well as a review of neurological investigations, neuroimaging findings, and previous clinical reports.
The outcome is a clear clinical formulation that integrates neurological and psychiatric perspectives within a developmental framework, which may include diagnostic impressions, an account of how brain-based factors may be contributing to the young person’s difficulties, and tailored recommendations for ongoing support and management.
Who might benefit from a child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment?
A child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment may be appropriate for young people whose emotional, behavioural, or cognitive difficulties appear to be connected to neurological factors. This includes young people who have experienced changes following a brain injury or neurological event, those living with epilepsy or neuroinflammatory conditions who are also experiencing psychiatric symptoms, and young people with complex neurodevelopmental presentations where the relationship between brain function and psychiatric features needs to be better understood.
It may also be helpful where previous assessments have not fully accounted for the neurological dimension of a young person’s difficulties.
What outcomes can a child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment offer?
A comprehensive child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment can provide:
- Clarity around emotional and behavioural difficulties that may be linked to neurological factors
- A developmentally informed understanding of how brain function and psychiatric symptoms interact in young people
- Identification of neuropsychiatric conditions that may have been previously unrecognised or attributed solely to psychological factors
- Guidance on appropriate support and management pathways, including specialist referrals
- A structured clinical report that can be shared with other professionals involved in the young person’s care
Questions our clients ask
Frequently asked questions
You may have lots of questions and that’s understandable. We have provided some answers below to frequently asked questions but if you’re still unsure about something do get in contact with us.
How is a child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment different from a standard paediatric psychiatric assessment
A neuropsychiatric assessment specifically examines the relationship between brain function and psychiatric symptoms within a developmental context. It is particularly appropriate when there is a known or suspected neurological contribution to a young person’s emotional or behavioural presentation
Do I need a referral for a child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessment?
No. You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment for a young person.
Can this assessment be combined with other services?
Where appropriate, child and adolescent neuropsychiatric assessments can be integrated with neuropsychological assessment, cognitive evaluation, or other services offered by the clinic.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about Dementia or would like to find out whether it could benefit you or someone you care for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help.
This service is for psychiatric assessment only. The London Neurocognitive Clinic does not provide ongoing psychiatric treatment or medication management. Recommendations for treatment can be provided following assessment, and individuals may be referred to appropriate services where needed.