PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

Psychological evaluation is defined as a way of testing people about their behavior, personality, and capabilities to draw conclusions using combinations of techniques. We currently see psychological evaluations being used in several different settings for multiple purposes for diagnostic clarification. The purpose of a comprehensive psychological evaluation is to try and pinpoint what is happening both internally and externally that may be impairing an individual's functioning in multiple domains of life. A psychological evaluation may result in the diagnosis (es) of a mental illness. Diagnostic clarification is paramount to the efficacy of correct treatment recommendations.  It is the mental equivalent of a physical examination.

Psychological evaluations are essential to clarifying the accuracy of a psychiatric diagnosis and to facilitate the appropriate treatment interventions utilizing a medical-psychological-social approach that incorporates professionals from various disciplines such as psychiatry, primary care, social services, psychotherapy, occupational and physical therapy, employee assistance, career development and enhancement, and educational settings. 

Psychological evaluations are used to clarify psychological disorders within the 22 categories of the DSM-V with accuracy and to enhance the treatment of psychological disorders such as:

Pseudopsychology (pop psychology) In Assessments

Psychological evaluation is one of the biggest aspects in pop psychology.  Pop psychology is largely based upon the testimonies of previous patients, the avoidance of peer reviewed journal articles (a critical aspect to any science), and poorly constructed "tests," which can include confusing language or conditions that are left up to self-interpretation.  There are many biases that contribute to incorrectly assessing a patient, such as hindsight bias or a confirmatory bias. The self-assessments found in magazines, websites, and newspapers have no statistical properties and often lead to misunderstanding, misperception, and misuse.  No valid interpretation or conclusions can or should be drawn from these types of pop psychology evaluations.

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