Psychological evaluation can help determine the exact nature (diagnosis) of a psychological condition. It also helps determine the cause of the disorder and it assists with the appropriate choice of an effective treatment plan or intervention.
The evaluation consists of an interview with a psychologist and a set of surveys, questionnaires and standardized testing that cover the behavioral, social, emotional and relational areas of a person’s functioning. Medical and school records may also be included if needed.
Psychological evaluations may be indicated for:
- Academic or social problems at school
- Difficulties maintaining personal or professional relationships
- Problems with control of anger or impulsiveness
- Lack of expected achievement in school or career
- Significant changes in functioning
Conditions evaluated by physiological testing include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Panic disorders, claustrophobia, agoraphobia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder,
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and related disorders
- Autism spectrum, Asperger’s disorder; Intellectual development disorder
- ADD, ADHD
- Anger disorders including intermittent explosive disorder
- Kleptomania, pyromania
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia nervosa) and body dysmorphia
- Personality disorders such as antisocial, borderline, dissociative identity disorder
- Substance abuse disorders
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
- Adjustment disorders
- Preoperative evaluation for procedures such as bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulators or pain pumps
- Evaluation for employment
- Determination of psychiatric disability