Psychological assessments may sound intimidating, but are actually very helpful. Assessments use tools that measure and observe a person's behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment. More specifically, assessments can help differentiate between similar symptom presentations and mental health concerns. Assessments can also help in detecting the occurrence of similar disorders that may appear to have overlapping symptoms. Additionally, many psychological assessments have items and/or scales that control for inconsistent or unreliable patterns of responding in order to identify the most accurate symptom presentation or diagnosis. Diagnoses such as Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and specific learning disorders are commonly diagnosed through psychological assessments. Below is a guide to different types of assessments and their uses.
Intelligence Testing
The most well-known tests of intelligence are the Wechsler Scales of Intelligence. There are several different versions of the Wechsler Scales specific to age ranges and ability levels. The Wechsler Scales provide examinees with a full-scale IQ score and several index scores measuring unique sets of cognitive abilities. In contrast to other assessments, which are self-report or paper and pencil tests, the Wechsler Scales require a trained examiner to administer each of the subtests of the assessment. Typically, the Wechsler Scales take an hour or more to complete but may take longer depending on the individual. The Stanford-Binet IQ test is another type of intelligence test which requires administration by a trained examiner. Similar to the Wechsler Scales, the Stanford-Binet yields an overall IQ score and factor index scores. Other tests of intelligence include Raven’s Progressive Matrices, a test measuring strictly nonverbal abilities and the Bayley Scales of infant and toddler intelligence.
Achievement Testing
Achievement tests are extremely useful in measuring academic functioning of children and college students. Oftentimes, achievement test scores are compared to tests of intelligence to determine if there is a discrepancy between an individual’s academic performance and cognitive abilities. These comparisons can be very useful in diagnosing ADHD and learning disorders. Commonly used achievement tests include the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, the Wide Range Achievement Test, and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (not to be confused with the Wechsler Scales of Intelligence). For more information about how achievement testing can help with diagnosing learning disorders, check out my post What are Learning Disorders and How are They Diagnosed?
Diagnostic Assessments
There is a wide range of diagnostic tests including symptom checklists, guided interviews, and observational assessments used to inform diagnosis. Symptom checklists are often presented in the form of self-report rating scales, requiring the individual to rate the extent to which they experience a specific symptom, behavior, thought, emotion, or concern. In contrast, guided interviews are conducted by a trained examiner and are characterized by specific questions asking about the development, course, and maintenance of a certain set of concerns of symptoms. Finally, observational assessments require the individual to say or do certain specific things while an examiner records target behaviors or patterns.
Personality Testing
Personality tests are frequently administered in a self-report paper and pencil or computerized format. Similar to symptom checklists, personality tests often require the examinee to answer questions about the frequency and severity of certain thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to personality traits. Common measures of personality include the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Personality Assessment Inventory, the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), and measures of the Five Factor Model (NEO).
Other Assessments
Other frequently administered types of psychological assessments include neuropsychological tests, such as tests of memory and mental status. Additionally, tests of adaptive functioning such as the Vineland measure daily living skills such as hygiene and social functioning. Clinicians may also include tests of fine motor skills such as the Grooved Pegboard test to assess ability to complete everyday tasks in addition to self-report assessments of adaptive functioning. Finally, projective tests are measures of functioning that require an individual to make interpretations about an ambiguous or unstructured stimulus such as an inkblot.
How Can Parents Help?
If you are planning to start the process of psychological testing for your child or adolescent, it can be helpful to explain the process beforehand. It is important to reassure your child that psychological testing is not a punishment or an indication that something is wrong with them. Instead, explain that testing can help parents and trusted adults (such as teachers and therapists) to help kids reach their goals. It may also be beneficial for parents to explain to kids that some parts of testing might be very easy while other parts might be difficult. Furthermore, prior to testing, it can be very helpful to ask the examiner to provide a “roadmap” for the testing process so the child knows what to expect and approximately how long the testing will take.
Overall, psychological assessments can be extremely useful in identifying symptoms, obtaining diagnoses, and informing treatment goals. If you are interested in psychological assessment for yourself or for your child, talking to a therapist is a great place to start!
At Balanced Minds Psychology & Wellness we specialize in assisting young adults, teens, and children with navigating life’s challenges. If you are ready to start the therapy process, contact us today to start a free consultation, either over telehealth or in person!
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