Abstract
Neuropsychiatry is a clinical neuroscience specialty focused on the evaluation and
treatment of patients who present with symptoms at the intersection of neurology and
psychiatry. Neuropsychiatrists assess and manage the cognitive, affective, behavioral,
and perceptual manifestations of disorders of the central nervous system. Although
fellowship training in behavioral neurology-neuropsychiatry exists in the United States
and several other countries internationally, the need for neuropsychiatric expertise
greatly outweighs the number of specialists in practice or training. This article
serves as a primer for both neurologists and psychiatrists seeking to improve or refresh
their knowledge of the neuropsychiatric assessment, including detailing aspects of
the history-taking, physical exam, psychometric testing, and associated diagnostic
work-up. In doing so, we urge the next generation of neurologists and psychiatrists
to take on both the opportunity and challenge to work at the intersection of both
clinical neuroscience specialties using an integrated neuropsychiatric perspective.
Keywords
neuropsychiatry - assessment - behavioral neurology - interview - education
