Get to know the types of psychological evaluations and what they assess. Learn how these tests offer insights into mental health and cognitive functions.
When you are told to have “psychological evaluations,” a bunch of weird questions and thoughts start popping into your mind. What will psychologists ask? Is it safe? Are they going to hook me up with a machine that has electrodes? The truth is that psychological assessment is not as scary as you think or heard, this is very helpful. In this article, we will explain everything about psychological evaluations, how many types there are, and what factors they measure of a patient to conduct it.
A psychological evaluation, or psych eval, is often described as the primary step in diagnosing and treating a mental health problem. It is administered by a psychologist to understand the extent and frequency of your symptoms. Tests and assessments are the 2 main elements employed in an evaluation. The testing phase of an evaluation comprises formal tests or “norm-referenced” tests.
These are the standard tests that are used to measure a patient’s capacity to learn and help understand many other concepts. For example, you can measure your reading skills compared to others of the same age, grade, or IQ.
It can encompass several formal tests that can be used to assess your performance and progress in particular activities. Some of the most common aspects of an evaluation include:
The patient will be asked a couple of questions, and the answers will help the psychologist to determine a number of things, from whether you might have an anxiety disorder to whether the post of manager is right for you. The American Psychological Association (APA) states that these evaluations analyze your mental state, such as your thoughts, sentiments, and behavioral patterns, to proceed with the right treatment.
Some individuals may think about why both psychological testing and assessments are necessary. Aren’t they the same? Yes and no, respectively. Tests and assessments are two different ideas but are interchangeably used to get a clear picture of the patient.
These tests help observe how your brain functions when you solve riddles, remember things, and how fast you learn new things. You may have also given these tests in schools or offices to gauge learning abilities. Basic tests are IQ tests and memory checks. For example, the WAIS (for adults), WISC (for children), and the Stanford-Binet test.
In these tests, the psychologist monitors your behavior, thoughts, and emotions to understand your personality. Used for counseling, job placements, and even in the case of relationship advice. Some standard tests are the MMPI (used by psychologists) and the Big Five Personality Test. Others, like the MBTI (Myers-Briggs), are prevalent in career coaching. These tests can easily reveal if you are an introvert or an extrovert and educate you on how to handle stress.
This is one of the extensive tests that check how the brain functions after a head injury or mental illness. Neurosurgeons use them to check for memory problems, brain damage, or disorders like dementia. Tests like the Halstead-Reitan and Bender-Gestalt help figure out which region of the brain is not working properly.
It involves interviews and questionnaires to screen for mental health conditions such as depression, eating problems, or schizophrenia. Mental health professionals use DSM-5 criteria and tools like the SCID interview.
These are creative tests where the patient is shown multiple images or drawings and asked to describe what they see. It helps shrink to understand deep thoughts or emotions. Examples are the Rorschach Inkblot Test and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT).
Last but not least, it involves watching a patient’s behavior in an actual environment or using checklists. They are especially good for kids and people with developmental disorders. Tools like ASEBA and Vineland help track daily activities and coping mechanisms.
A psychological evaluation is a valuable tool that better handles the mental health problem of you or your loved one. It may be beneficial in getting comprehensive information to make a correct diagnosis and create a treatment plan. Mental conditions are treatable, and early treatment is critical for controlling symptoms and leading a happy life. At Life Matters Counseling, we believe in inclusive, integrative, and deeply human mental health care. Our licensed psychologists offers psychological evaluations and therapies for children, teens, adults, couples, and families.
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