What is psychological testing?
Psychological testing uses a variety of assessment tools to diagnose mental health issues and develop custom care plans. The type of psychological testing that will most benefit you depends on your age, health history, and symptoms. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the team at Dr. Messina & Associates can develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs.
What conditions can psychological testing help diagnose?
At Dr. Messina & Associates, the team uses psychological testing to diagnose a variety of common conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Insomnia
- Panic disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Disruptive mood regulation disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Academic Problems
You might also benefit from psychological testing if you’re experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What does psychological testing involve?
During a psychological assessment, your porvider reviews school, medical and employment records. Afterward, they conduct a clinical interview. During the interview, your provider asks a series of questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall quality of life, They use your answers to get an idea of how you reason, think, and interact with others.
Psychological testing refers to direct evaluation of various abilities, along with questionnaires or surveys that you fill out during an in-office appointment. Each test is standardized, meaning your responses are evaluated using a previously established set of guidelines. Qualified researchers develop each test, ensuring they're effecive at measuring a particular trait or disorder. This comprehensive evaluation can help make an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment.
Is psychological testing always the same?
At Dr. Messina & Associates, the team tailors psychological testing to each individual. Before developing a custom testing plan, your provider assesses your medical and psychological history. After they gain a basic understanding of your unique symptoms and needs, the team develops a personalized testing regimen.
How do I prepare for psychological testing?
Psychological testing doesn’t require any special preparation. It might be tempting to look up a practice assessment online, but Dr. Messina & Associates recommends against it.
If you prepare your answers in advance, your results may be inconsistent, making diagnosis and treatment more difficult. On the day of your test, show up 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Fill out the intake paperwork, and the team will take care of the rest.
To learn more about psychological testing, request a consultation at Dr. Messina & Associates. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the office today.
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