A client says, “I can’t get started.” That is an important clinical observation. It is also incredibly ambiguous. How many possible diagnoses or explanations have already flashed through your mind? Difficulty initiating tasks is frequently associated with ADHD. But “I can’t get started” is not an ADHD symptom with only one possible meaning. It is a description of an experience—and many different processes can produce that experience. What Does “I Can’t Get Started” Actually M

For a time, children with chronic irritability, severe emotional outbursts, and dramatic shifts in behavior were increasingly diagnosed with pediatric bipolar disorder. The reasoning seemed plausible. These children could be intensely reactive, impulsive, aggressive, distractible, and difficult to settle. Their emotions sometimes appeared to shift rapidly. Because irritability can occur during mania, some clinicians began to view this pattern as a childhood version of bipolar

We always talk about how to do an assessment, but what about how to end the testing?

When evaluating the daily capacity of patients who may have disabilities, depression, or mental health challenges, therapists often identify key indicators that suggest the patient's condition. However, during an assessment, which can be limited to 1 hour, it is crucial to gather as much information as possible from the brief context provided. This allows for a comprehensive and accurate interpretation of the patient's needs over the long term. The assessment process can be q

Daily life functioning is connected to the spoon theory, and making accurate assessments can significantly impact this real-world concept for a client if we do not take it into account.

Technology can help, but we must remember it is not the solution to assessment.

How observation is our largest source of information in assessment!

The main symptoms of ADHD can present as:

Biases often arise when we focus solely on human traits and behaviors, overlooking the complexity of individual circumstances and the potential influence of other factors.

Understanding our psychological history is crucial for shaping effective current practices in mental health support. The intertwined relationship between intelligence, historical context, and thorough assessment sheds light on how these elements inform our present-day methodologies. Often, in the rush of our day-to-day responsibilities, we may overlook the journey that led us to our current practice. It's easy to lose sight of the passion that first ignited our commitment to

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education and evaluation, it's crucial to recognize that assessment methods are also undergoing significant changes. An assessment should empower individuals to self-report their progress or engage in hands-on testing, providing clarity about the various components involved. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the foundational principles of the assessment process, which will help us grasp the intent behind the eva

Mental health diagnosis involves much more than simply matching symptoms to a predefined checklist. It's a comprehensive process that requires thoughtful assessment and understanding. A true assessment not only looks at the symptoms a person is experiencing but also helps them gain a deeper insight into their mental health conditions. It’s essential to recognize that symptoms alone do not capture the entirety of a person’s experience. Effective evaluation also takes into acco

It is essential to recognize the significant influence of diverse backgrounds and experiences on individuals' perceptions and behaviors. This variation in cultural and social upbringing can lead to differing social norms, which may subsequently introduce bias into psychological assessments. Awareness of these discrepancies enables practitioners to implement strategies to mitigate bias and ensure that assessments prioritize relevant diagnostic criteria over entrenched preconce

Oh, the Wechsler Test? Let us discuss the Wechsler assessments and their applications in evaluating IQ and cognitive skills. The Wechsler test has been a staple in psychological evaluation for many years, and it remains a key tool for clinicians and evaluators today. Most testing professionals incorporate this test into their assessments at least weekly, underscoring its widespread use in the field. However, it's crucial to ask ourselves: are we applying the Wechsler test app

Do you know how to create an unbiased, objective assessment?

It might never be ADHD. When is the assessment not correct?

Learn how Robert Yerkes and the US Army played roles in current assessment tests.

When evaluating young children for possible learning difficulties, it's important to understand the categories defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). This legislation provides a framework for identifying specific types of learning disabilities, which are critical for determining eligibility for special education services. While we are covering how IDEA defines these areas today, it’s also important to keep in mind that the schoo

Mine is Behavioral Observation! A Hill I Will Die On When it comes to assessment, it is essential for providers to focus not only on the content—such as the specific words individuals use during therapy or the numerical scores derived from psychological tests—but also on the process, which encompasses how clients interact and behave throughout the assessment. In my experience, there have been very few occasions where the results of a psychological test genuinely surprised me.

What do you think: Do people accurately report their own psychological symptoms?