Major Neurocognitive Disorder - Cross-Examining Psych Doctors, Tip #110

A Major Neurocognitive Disorder is a relatively new disorder that appears in the DSM-5, which was published in 2013.  According to a reading of pages 602 to 605 of the DSM-5, a Major Neurocognitive Disorder is correctly diagnosed when the individual presents with a substantial impairment in cognitive performance that is measured by the examining physician’s administration of neuropsychological tests or “another quantified clinical assessment.”  Thus, when you are reading a psych report where the examiner diagnosed a Major Neurocognitive Disorder you should immediately look to see if the examiner discussed the administration and results of neuropsychological tests or “another quantified clinical assessment.”  If you find that the examiner has declined to discuss any of these measures, you should question the doctor about their omission on cross-examination.