neuropsychiatric inventory
Standardized assessment tool measuring behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia patients through caregiver interviews.
Full Definition
The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) is a structured clinical assessment instrument designed to evaluate behavioral and psychological symptoms in patients with dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. The tool assesses twelve behavioral domains including delusions, hallucinations, agitation, depression, anxiety, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, aberrant motor behavior, nighttime behaviors, and appetite changes. The NPI relies on caregiver or informant reports and provides both frequency and severity ratings for each domain, making it valuable for tracking symptom progression and treatment response in clinical documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as NPI in clinical contexts; ensure distinction from neuropsychological testing.
In Context
- "The neuropsychiatric inventory revealed significant scores for agitation and sleep disturbances over the past month." — Dementia clinic assessment
- "Follow-up NPI scores demonstrated improvement in behavioral symptoms following medication adjustment." — Longitudinal care documentation