Psychodiagnostic examination by a psychologist

Psychodiagnostic examinationis a structured and scientifically based process of assessing the psychological state, personality traits, emotional regulation, thinking and behavioral patterns.

This examination is important for making a diagnosis and choosing an effective treatment strategy, both therapeutic and medicinal.

When is a psychodiagnostic examination necessary?

To patients before a visit to a psychiatrist, so that the doctor has an objective basis for making a diagnosis.

• To clarify the diagnosis, when it is important to determine the nature of symptoms and distinguish, for example, depression and burnout, manifestations of psychotic disorders, age changes and depressive state, severity of personality disorder, when there is no sufficient response to treatment and much more.
• To control treatment, assess the dynamics of changes in the course of treatment and assess the degree of severity of changes over time.
• People with certain symptoms, such as fog in the head, forgetfulness, impaired attention, behavioral changes, etc.
• To clients in psychotherapy to clarify the request for psychotherapy, as well as to assess the dynamics of the therapeutic process

What do we examine during the study?

The study includes the study of key areas of mental activity:

• Cognitive sphere:assessment of memory, intelligence, attention, speed of thinking and ability to concentrate.
• Emotional and volitional sphere:determination of the level of depression, anxiety, stress resistance and type of response to difficult life situations, features of emotional regulation.
• Personal characteristics:studying the structure of character, self-esteem, features of world perception, building relationships, hidden resources of the psyche.
• Pathopsychological diagnosis:identification of specific disorders of perception, thinking and other aspects that are characteristic of certain clinical disorders.

How is the procedure?

• Before the research itself, you will receive a questionnaire that includes the questions necessary for the initial assessment of the request and the preparation of the necessary research materials. If you have already undergone a similar study, inform about it in the questionnaire, and the psychologist will select materials for you that you have not used yet to ensure the maximum quality of the study.
• Direct testing by a psychologist, which includes performing special tasks and filling out professional questionnaires. Testing includes both standardized tasks and an individual set of techniques according to the request, age, condition and clinical task.
• Processing of results: analysis of the received data by a psychologist. If necessary, the psychologist can contact you for clarification on individual issues.
• You receive a detailed written report (the conclusion of the psychological examination) that can be given to the attending physician or used for personal therapy. The report also contains recommendations.

Don't worry about getting your answers right. This is not an exam. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers here. The purpose of diagnostics is to find answers to diagnostic questions and a path to your recovery and stable condition.

What methods are used in the work?

Testing includes both standardized tasks and an individual set of techniques according to the request, age, condition and clinical task. Below are examples of some techniques that can be used in the work process:

Schulte's tables- assessment of concentration, stability of attention, pace of activity.

Exclusion of excess– analysis of logical thinking and generalization.

Comparison of concepts- the ability to find commonalities and differences.

Classification of subjects- features of structuring and abstract thinking.

Method "10 words"- assessment of auditory-speech memory, learnability.

Test "Memory for images"- visual memory.

Icon- indirect memorization and features of thinking.

Screening scale of self-esteem

Mini-MMRI- personal characteristics and emotional state.

Beck Depression Scale

Spielberger Anxiety Scale

PTSD scales:PCL-C and PCL-M

A specialist who conducts psychodiagnostics:

Oleksandr Oleksenko– clinical psychologist, scheme therapist, correctional psychologist. Teacher and trainer in the field of psychology, author of scientific works. Work experience - 9 years.

Research organization and duration:

Examination duration – 1.5-2 hours;
Preparation of the conclusion - within 7 days (in case of long blackouts, the time for the preparation of the conclusion may be longer);
The venue is face-to-face in Kyiv and online;
The price includes testing and preparation of an extensive written opinion.

Importantly: research is not a diagnosis. To establish the presence/absence of mental disorders, a consultation with a psychiatrist is required.

Frequently asked questions:

Is it necessary to specially prepare for psychodiagnostics?
No, no special training is required. It is only important to arrive in a relatively resourceful state and be honest in your answers.

How long does the examination take?
The duration depends on the volume of techniques and is usually 1.5-2 hours.

Will I receive a written opinion?
Yes, you receive a detailed written report (conclusion of a psychological examination), which can be given to the attending physician or used for personal therapy. The report also contains recommendations.

Is psychodiagnosis appropriate if I plan psychotherapy?
Thus, the examination is often a useful first step to more precisely plan the therapeutic work.

Will I be diagnosed as a result of the examination?
A psychodiagnostic examination is not a diagnosis. To establish the presence/absence of mental disorders, a consultation with a psychiatrist is required. After the examination, you receive a detailed written report (the conclusion of the psychological examination), which can be given to the attending physician or used for personal therapy. The report also contains recommendations.