What are the different things you may talk about during a psychological assessment?
- Medical History
- Education and Work History
- Substance Use
- Traumatic Experiences
- Current Concerns and Symptoms
- Life Right Now
There are instances when we feel that we want to get help for issues we’re struggling with in our daily lives — and there’s nothing wrong with that. Doctors and medical professionals are there to help you understand and get you through the symptoms you may be feeling.
The first step patients usually go through is our psychological assessments. These have various components to them, but the most important part of these would be the clinical interview. Here, a psychologist asks you about yourself, your personal history, and your current conditions to give you a proper diagnosis.
To help you prepare for future psychological assessments, this article tackles the different things you may talk about with your psychologist. Keep reading to learn more!
Medical History
You can expect a psychologist to ask you about your medical history. These include medicines you take, injuries you have concurred, and other ailments you have or are experiencing.
This is one of the most important parts of any kind of assessment, even a psychological one. Your medical history can deeply affect the way you think and feel. Certain medicines and treatments can also influence your mood and psyche, while certain injuries or conditions can also impact your brain’s health.
Disclosing your medical history will help your doctor understand why you may be experiencing your symptoms, from a scientific and medical perspective.
Education and Work History
The different experiences and encounters one has in life also contribute to how one perceives things today.
During your clinical interview, the psychologist may ask you about where you went to school, and where you work. They may ask you to elaborate on certain events that have happened in these places, especially if they had an impact on you — both positive and negative. Again, this helps them understand your current concerns, and how they continue to affect you.
Substance Use
Your psychologist may also ask you about the different substances you use, both medical and recreational. It can be difficult to disclose this information to a stranger, but remember that they are not there to judge your actions.
Information on substance use is asked for them to understand your different coping mechanisms. Whether you’re currently taking substances or undergoing withdrawal, this can affect the way you feel right now.
Those who experience mental health concerns often have different ways of coping. So, it’s normal for psychologists to ask this question during assessments. The best thing you can do here is be honest, so they can provide you with an accurate assessment.
Traumatic Experiences
It’s difficult for anyone to talk about traumatic experiences. They may only open up and talk about these experiences when asked or not at all. Psychologists do their best to not overlook critical information like this since it can have lingering effects.
Trauma from any kind of experience may lead to many things, and it’s different for every person. Some may have anger management problems. For others, it can manifest in dysfunctional relationships or intimacy issues, or even depression and anxiety,
There are many ways that trauma can affect one’s life. That’s why it’s important to disclose this with your doctor even if it’s difficult. With this, they’ll be able to find ways to help you cope and deal with it in the healthiest possible way.
Current Concerns & Symptoms
Just like in any kind of doctor’s appointment, a psychologist will ask about what you’re currently feeling and if there are any symptoms you want to address.
During this time, you can bring up things that can be bothering you. This can include you feeling worried, on edge, and unhappy. You can also disclose to your psychologist if you have trouble sleeping as well as how you deal with other people.
Life Right Now
Lastly, you will also be talking about how your life is at present time. They’ll ask you for personal information like who you are currently with, who you regularly talk to or meet with, and how you like to spend your free time. You may also disclose to them your sexual orientation, gender identity, and religious beliefs.
Talking about this paints a complete picture for your psychologist of how life is for you currently. This helps them put all the other information you have shared into context, which is necessary to see the ‘big picture’ regarding your condition.
Key Takeaway
It may be difficult to talk about certain problems and experiences, but psychological assessments are meant for your doctor to understand you better. It’s one of the best ways for them to gain insight into your life through your history and current living conditions.
PERPETUAL HELP MEDICAL CENTER-LAS PINAS’ Mind Care Center offers various services for you including psychological assessments, psychotherapy, and counseling. If you feel that you are in need of assistance, or are interested in availing of these services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today — we can help!
