If you are an adult with congenital heart disease (CHD), you know that a heart care journey can include all kinds of ups and downs. The challenges you face with CHD can deeply affect your physical and mental health, relationships, and experiences at home, school and work.
What Is a Neuropsychologist?
- A neuropsychologist is a psychologist who specializes in understanding how the brain affects the way people think, feel and behave.
- A cardiac neuropsychologist applies this knowledge to people with a heart condition.
These days it is very common for children with CHD to have evaluations with a neuropsychologist. But most adults with CHD never had this opportunity.
At Cincinnati Children’s, our Heart Institute offers neuropsychology services for infants, kids and teens as well as for adults with CHD. But why, after all this time, should you consider seeing a cardiac neuropsychologist? There are several reasons.
5 Ways Seeing a Cardiac Neuropsychologist as an Adult Can Help
Living with and managing congenital heart disease can be stressful and challenging. A cardiac neuropsychologist can help you manage stress and work through challenges.
Here are five ways seeing a cardiac neuropsychologist might benefit you as an adult:
1. They can help you understand your cognitive strengths and challenges.
Research shows that children with complex CHD are more likely to experience difficulties with cognitive functioning. This includes difficulties with learning and memory, attention, and executive functioning skills such as planning, organizing, problem solving and managing emotions.
Research is beginning to show that adults with complex CHD can have similar difficulties. The causes of these difficulties are complex and vary for each person. Having a deeper understanding of your cognitive strengths and difficulties can help guide important life decisions and ensure you receive the supports you may need.
2. They can help during education or career transitions.
Understanding how your brain ticks can help you see the ways you learn best, and how to use your strengths to support areas where you might struggle. A neuropsychologist can help you identify what may be the best path for your learning and career. They can also recommend accommodations in higher education and in the workplace.
3. They can track changes over time.
Even if you have no concerns right now, an evaluation with a neuropsychologist can establish your “baseline” functioning. Understanding how you function at your best—what we call “at baseline”—helps to spot changes in functioning over time. A neuropsychologist can also provide recommendations to help you maintain cognitive functioning and brain health.
4. They can provide mental health support.
Neuropsychologists can help manage mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression, that may arise during ongoing health challenges or life transitions. This could include changes such as pregnancy, and work- or education-related changes. Together, you can develop strategies to help with daily cognitive tasks and emotional resilience.
5. They can offer support managing CHD.
Living with CHD can bring unique challenges. Meeting with a cardiac neuropsychologist can help you manage these challenges and find the coping skills that work best for you. This can be especially important before and after procedures, changes in medication, and changes in your heart health.
Our research shows that when people with CHD have support along the way, it can make a big difference in their overall health and wellbeing. A cardiac neuropsychologist can be part of the team that provides you with this meaningful support.
Editor’s Note: Bruna Schneider, PsyD, also contributed to this blog post. She is a lifespan neuropsychologist in the Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center at Cincinnati Children’s.
About the author: Nadine Kasparian, PhD
Nadine Kasparian, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist and founding director of the Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center at Cincinnati Children’s. Her research investigates the factors that shape emotional and neurobiological development in children with critical or chronic illness, particularly congenital heart disease. Dr. Kasparian is originally from Australia, where she pioneered mental health services for families of children with heart disease.
