When someone says “test,” that conjures images of stress, cramming, and grades that sends many of us running for the hills. Add into that psychological testing, and it can feel very daunting. A therapist and a test? That’s just unfair. However, psychological diagnostic assessments can be an important part of taking good care of overall mental health. These evaluations not only provide clearer answers to mental health questions, but may also provide a sense of comfort, validation, and clarity about personal experiences.

What is diagnostic assessment?

Diagnostic psychological assessment refers to a wide range of techniques that are designed to help provide greater clarity related to psychological symptoms. These assessments, also known as tests or measures, are developed and carefully studied to ensure they accurately reflect what they are looking for. A diagnostic assessment might include things such as an IQ test, a personality inventory, a memory evaluation, or questions about symptoms you may have experienced. Some tests are more puzzle-like, asking a person to solve various problems. Others are a more direct report of symptoms and concerns that a person has. In general, these measures are completed alongside a trained mental health provider who ensures the instructions are clear and requirements are well-understood.

What are the benefits of diagnostic assessment?

Diagnostic psychological assessments are used in many different ways. A common reason for completing an assessment may be a desire for school or workplace accommodations to address a known psychological concern. Many schools, colleges, or workplaces may request an evaluation in order to develop accommodations. Certain programs and services may also request diagnostic assessment data to determine eligibility, such as for a gifted program or other programs.

Beyond accommodations, assessments may be used to provide diagnostic clarity and inform ongoing mental health treatment. For example, an individual may wonder if their symptoms align more with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or some combination of conditions. Diagnostic assessment provides clear information to the treatment team to inform recommendations for therapies and medications.

Additionally, data helps make plans for the future. A person can make modifications to their lifestyle, expectations, and future plans to accommodate new information. A might learn through an evaluation ghat they are showing early signs of cognitive decline. They may choose to investigate medications, make lifestyle changes, or develop a long-term care plan that supports them as they age.

And one benefit we often overlook…

Psychological diagnostic evaluations can be a vital part of self-discovery and understanding. This may be especially important for adults looking at possible neurodivergent conditions later in life, though it can hold true in any scenario. When something about us feels different, that can increase our worry and stress. Having clear information about what is going on can be reassuring.

I have had the great honor to sit with people and go over their assessment results, walking through the relevant areas to end with a diagnosis and set of treatment recommendations. So often, the results are not a surprise, but they are validating. People begin to reassess prior events and experiences in light of this now-labeled diagnosis. Things start to fall into place. Those behavior reports for not sitting still? They’re not a willful child who can’t listen, but a child with ADHD trying to fit in an environment not designed for them. Difficulty following up with phone calls or messages to a friend? That’s not a bad friend, but someone who’s depression has told them lies and sapped their energy.  When we understand these facts about ourselves, we can approach ourselves with greater kindness and compassion.

There is also a comfort in knowing the name of something. Once we have named it, we can explore it, talk about it, and address it much more easily than when trying to discuss an assortment of symptoms and experiences. Some people may also find solidarity in connecting with others experiencing similar things, not only to provide connection, but also to learn suggestions and techniques that may be beneficial. A personal acquaintance once shared the way they felt when learning as an adult that they were autistic, stating it allowed them to better understand themselves, feel more empowered to ask for what they needed, and seek out a community that understood.

A good diagnostic assessment connects the dots and provides validating feedback, as well as a path forward. It helps make sense of the experiences, successes, and challenges a person may have faced. This can help bring about greater self-understanding and self-compassion.  

Should I get a diagnostic evaluation?

Many people can benefit from a psychological evaluation. Some reasons to consider pursuing an evaluation are:

· You are having difficulty in a work or school setting and believe changes to the environment may be helpful for you

· You have previously tried to address mental health symptoms, but felt you did not make the progress you wanted

· You have noticed changes in your mood, thinking, behavior, or cognitive skills

· You have experienced repeated challenges with mental health symptoms

· You would like to understand yourself, your personal strengths and weaknesses, better.

Diagnostic assessment can be a vital part of good mental health treatment as it informs the treatment plan. It may be invaluable at providing resources in school or work environments to allow you to be your best. Knowing can also allow you to make plans, prepare for the future, or communicate more directly about current or future needs. And, it can help you understand your experiences and demonstrate greater kindness and compassion toward yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from diagnostic psychological assessments?

o Children, adolescents, and adults may all find assessment plays an important role in their mental health care. Most tests are designed for specific age ranges, so that outcomes can be compared to similar peers. Your provider will select tests that are best designed to address your target concerns.

What kinds of questions do psychological assessment address?

o Assessments are available for a number of questions people may have. They can help provide a clear diagnosis, determine whether behavior is developmentally appropriate, identify areas of strength or weakness, help inform school or workplace needs, provide direction in career searches, identify problems with memory or other cognitive skills, or answer questions that a person has had about the way they think, feel, and approach the world.

What does the process look like?

o Assessment generally begins with an initial interview, so that the provider can better understand relevant history, background, and questions you may have about the testing process. Based on the information gathered, tests are selected to provide further information. After you complete the testing materials with the provider, the results are analyzed and compiled into a final report. This report will be discussed with you so that you can ask questions and ensure you understand the information being shared.