Psychological Evaluations

If you need an evaluation for a child or an adult then we would like to help.

Psychological Therapy

Individual, family and couples therapy is offered. Therapy is offered for both adults and children.

ADHD

ADHD is a rising concern for families and doctors alike and it has been estimated that 3% to 7% of all school-age children have a diagnosis of ADHD. Some researchers who study large community-based populations estimate that up to 10% of school-aged children are affected. According to the American Psychological Association clinical reports place the ratio of boys to girls with ADHD at 9 to 1 (9 boys for each girl) while other researchers indicate that the actual boys to girls ratio is closer to 3 to 1. This large discrepancy may indicate that many girls are not accurately diagnosed or are missed. Because ADHD is a disorder comprising of three subtypes, (1) Inattentive Type, (2) Hyperactive-Impulsive Type and (3) Combined Type, it is imperative that a full and accurate diagnosis be made so that a detailed and appropriate treatment plan can be implemented. ADHD manifests itself in a number of ways. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, attentional and behavioral manifestations usually appear in multiple contexts, including home, school and social situations. Depending on the developmental age of the child, associated features of the disorder varies and may include low frustration tolerance, temper outbursts, aggression, stubbornness, frequent insistence that requests be met, mood lability, dysphoria, rejection from peers and poor self-esteem.

The rate of co-occurrence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder with other disruptive behavior disorders is higher than with other mental disorders. Other associated disorders that may coexist or may mimic Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder include mood disorders (i.e., depression, bi-polar disorder), anxiety disorders, oppositional disorders, learning disorders and communication disorders. Therefore, because children may present with symptoms that resemble ADHD it is important that a coexisting disorder or associated disorder is not overlooked. Children who struggle in school may have a specific learning disorder that has not been accurately diagnosed or they may have been misdiagnosed as having ADHD only. This misdiagnosis could exclude children from receiving important educational services.

Because ADHD is often over diagnosed and coexisting disorders are often missed, when evaluating I feel that a collaborative & consultative approach benefits the child being referred in a number of ways. Using a collaborative approach, the child’s psychological, physiological, developmental, educational, social and family factors are assessed in understanding the child’s symptoms and in developing a detailed and effective treatment strategy. All of this information is relayed to the child’s direct physician/pediatrician so that a collaborative working relationship can be established.

Often the first line of approach is to obtain a full psychological, educational and social history, and to assess the child utilizing a full battery of tests to assist in identifying the severity of the ADHD symptoms and assist in determining whether a coexisting disorder or if an alternative disorder is present such as a learning disability or mood disorder. Once a full examination of the child or adult patient has been obtained, per written consent, a report is sent to the the general physician/pediatrician describing the treatment options.

CHILDHOOD DISORDERS
Other examinations includes assessing for childhood disorders. Typical childhood disorders include cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, autism, pervasive developmental disorder, asperger disorder.

MOOD DISORDERS
Many times mood disorders such as depression and anxiety exist together. Medication consultation with your primary physician will be implemented.

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Many psychiatric disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe anxiety disorders.

PERSONALITY DISORDERS
An assessment of a personality disorder typically uses personality tests to assist in this area such as the MMPI-II, Rorschach or the MCMI-III. Personality disorders may include other types of mood and psychiatric disorders. A personality disorder typically develops over a period of time and may have developed by early life experiences. A personality disorder affects how a person interacts with others around them and hence, affects their mood. Individuals with a personality disorder may have feelings of anger and loneliness because others may find it difficult to be around them. Testing will assist in distinguishing the personality traits and will assist in determining how engrained the personality disorder is.

All examinations include obtaining a full diagnostic history, mental status examination and testing.