Psychological Diagnostic Evaluation.html

PSYCHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATIONS

Conducted by a doctoral level psychologist. Typically conducted in our practice by Drs. Chow, Devlin, Martin, Malcolm, Friedman, Berkman or Goldberg.

Used for making differential diagnosis of all psychiatric conditions and comprehensive treating planning. May be particularly useful when presentation is complicated or if previous treatment has failed.

ADHD:
Maybe used to diagnosis ADHD initially. Screens for learning disabilities, which are often present with ADHD, but is not a comprehensive evaluation of learning and learning disabilities. If learning disabilities are suspected a more comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is recommended.

Process:
          *Parent interview
          *Child interview/observation.
          *Review relevant records and parent completed questionnaires.
          *Collect, score, and interpret developmentally normed psychometric testing that may be
                completed by parents, child and/or teachers (e.g., Achenbach).
          *Administer psychological tests as needed to make appropriate differential diagnosis. Tests often
            include: Children’s Depression Inventory, Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale, various ADHD
            measures, Rorschach Inkblot Technique, projective tests, etc.
          *The psychologist reviews all the data collected and prepares a report. The report includes a
            diagnostic impression and comprehensive recommendations.
              o Recommendations may include:
                  § Specific types of psychotherapy
       § Medication
                  § Home based interventions
                  § School based interventions
                  § Further more specialized evaluation

The Psychologist provides 45-50 minutes of feedback and consultation to the parents. A copy of the report is typically available within one week after the feedback is given. Unless the parents refuse permission, the report is typically sent to the referring clinician.

Additional consultation may be requested if necessary.

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