NEW DISCOVERY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
adhd treatment centre
IN-PERSON OR VIA ZOOM
PSYCHOLOGICAL
ASSESSMENT
Psychological assessment results are commonly combined with other methods, like interviews and observations, to offer a holistic view of an individual's psychological functioning. In psychology, the focus is on understanding human development and facilitating change. Psychological tests provide several advantages when assessing an individual's level of development in specific areas. Here are some examples of these advantages:
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Standardisation: Psychological tests ensure consistency in administration, scoring, and interpretation.
Objectivity: Tests provide an objective and standardised way of evaluating individuals, reducing bias and subjectivity.
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Efficiency: Tests are often time-efficient, allowing for assessing many individuals in a relatively short period.
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Comparability: Test results can be compared across individuals or groups, facilitating research and making informed judgments.
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Predictive validity: Many psychological tests have demonstrated their ability to predict future behaviour or performance accurately.
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Depth of assessment: Tests can provide detailed information about an individual's strengths and weaknesses within specific domains.
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By utilising psychological tests alongside other assessment methods, professionals can gain valuable insights into an individual's psychological functioning and tailor interventions accordingly.
INCREASED SELF- AWARENESS
Psychological tests play a crucial role in educating and assisting individuals in gaining self-awareness. Administering and interpreting these tests can be an enlightening experience for client's, while the guidance of a psychologist in understanding the results is essential for making treatment progress.
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Increased self-awareness: Psychological tests can reveal patterns, tendencies, and aspects of an individual's personality, cognition, or emotional well-being that may not have been consciously recognised. By explaining the test results, psychologists can help patients gain a clearer understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, coping mechanisms, and areas for personal growth. This increased self-awareness can be empowering and serve as a foundation for personal development and positive change.
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Identifying barriers and challenges: Psychological tests can shed light on underlying issues or barriers affecting an individual's well-being or functioning. By guiding patients through the test results, psychologists can help them identify these challenges and understand how they may impact their lives. This insight can provide a starting point for addressing and overcoming these obstacles in therapy.
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Normalising experiences: Sometimes, individuals may feel alone or stigmatised by their thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. Psychological tests can demonstrate that certain experiences or patterns are common and shared by many individuals. This normalisation can comfort patients, helping them realise that their experiences are valid and that they are not alone in their struggles. It can also reduce self-blame and encourage self-compassion.
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Treatment planning: Test results can inform the development of an individualised treatment plan. By understanding the test findings, psychologists can tailor therapeutic interventions to address the specific needs and challenges identified. This personalised approach increases the effectiveness of treatment and enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes.
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Motivation and engagement: Understanding the results of psychological tests can motivate individuals to participate in their treatment actively. When patients have a clearer understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement, they can feel more invested in the therapeutic process. This engagement can contribute to their overall progress and success in treatment.
IN PERSON COMPREHENSIVE PSYCH/ADHD ASSESSMENT
An in-person comprehensive ADHD assessment and a one-hour assessment over the phone can differ significantly in terms of the depth, accuracy, and thoroughness of the evaluation.
Here are some key differences:
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Observations and behavioural assessment: In-person assessments allow the psychologist to directly observe the individual's behaviour, attention span, and other relevant aspects in a controlled environment. This includes observing the person's ability to sustain attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These direct observations can provide valuable insights into the person's functioning and contribute to a comprehensive assessment. In a phone assessment, the psychologist may rely solely on self-report or the information provided by the individual, limiting the ability to observe and assess behaviours directly.
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Standardised rating scales and tests: Comprehensive ADHD assessments often involve using standardised rating scales completed by multiple informants, such as the individual, parents, teachers, or significant others. These scales provide valuable information about the individual's symptoms, functioning, and impairment across various settings. In-person assessments typically include the administration and interpretation of standardised tests specifically designed to assess ADHD symptoms and related cognitive functions. These tests contribute to a more accurate diagnosis and understanding of the individual's ADHD profile. In a one-hour phone assessment, the use of these standardised measures may be limited or not feasible.
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Detailed history and collateral information: In-person assessments generally involve a detailed clinical interview, where the psychologist collects information about the individual's developmental history, academic performance, family dynamics, and other relevant factors. Collateral information from parents, teachers, or other significant individuals in the person's life is also collected. This comprehensive information helps understand the individual's symptoms, impairment, and the context in which they occur. A one-hour phone assessment may not allow for an in-depth exploration of the individual's history and may rely more on self-report, potentially missing important contextual information.
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Clinical observation and rapport-building: In-person assessments allow the psychologist to build rapport and establish a therapeutic alliance with the individual. This relationship facilitates trust, openness, and accurate self-reporting. In a one-hour phone assessment, establishing a strong rapport can be more challenging, potentially affecting the individual's comfort level and the quality of information shared.
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While a one-hour phone assessment may be useful for initial screening or brief consultations, a comprehensive ADHD assessment typically requires a more extensive evaluation process that includes in-person interactions, direct observations, standardized measures, and the gathering of detailed history and collateral information. It's important to consult with a qualified professional to determine the most appropriate assessment approach based on the individual's specific needs and circumstances.