[Happy Camper]

My pdoc referred me to get what he called a "neuro-psych test" and I was wondering what exactly this is. He mentioned something about the MMPI and possibly a general IQ test. Neither of us like the things I've been diagnosed with, and agree I'm not really bipolar. It was after I mentioned borderline personality disorder that he set this up.

What should I expect?

[comicgeek007]

I'm going to have to do this starting on friday. I would also like some information.

[BlueInanna]

I think Hamster recently did this - hopefully she may help shed light. It sounded pretty interesting and should provide you a ton of info and insight. It does sound long but should be worth it and informative - good luck.

[yellowfrog268]

Get a good nights rest and eat something before you go.

From what a friend says, these tests are long and you need to be able to stay on task and not just get bored and space out or loose your patience.

Also, she said the MMPI is mostly about personality. The IQ test is self explanatory. Sounds like the doc is assessing you for possible neurological problems such as Aspergers/Autism or another developmental disorder.

[Happy Camper]

I've googled this but keep finding pages that talk about brain damage or autism. I'm really curious as to why he would say 'neuro-psych' instead of just 'psych evaluation'. Autism was the first thing I asked him about reagrding this--he said their testing might include screening for it, but he was so vague. My appointments are always too short for any decent discussions.

What's the point of an IQ test? Seems irrelevant. And I never get good sleep.

[Eliza Jane]

My understanding is that the psychologist tailors the testing to fit each individual's situation. For example, if the person is having problems at school or work, it might have an IQ test. If not, they will skip it. Evaluations differ based on the questions that are being asked and the diagnoses in consideration.

Best,
EJ

[ultramar]

Originally Posted by Happy Camper

I've googled this but keep finding pages that talk about brain damage or autism. I'm really curious as to why he would say 'neuro-psych' instead of just 'psych evaluation'. Autism was the first thing I asked him about reagrding this--he said their testing might include screening for it, but he was so vague. My appointments are always too short for any decent discussions.

What's the point of an IQ test? Seems irrelevant. And I never get good sleep.

They do these at the hospital where I work. It's not just for autism, it's to diagnose any psychiatric disorder(s). I think the neuro and IQ parts has to do with the fact that it includes testing of cognitive abilities. I don't know much about it, but I would suppose it would be to rule out any neurological or cognitive issues that might be manifesting themselves as a psychiatric illness or contributing to it in some way. But it doesn't mean, I don't think, that your pdoc thinks you have neuro or cognitive issues, this 4-hour eval is considered the most comprehensive. I don't know if you fill out some paperwork, but a lot of it is I think is you talking with the psychologist as well. These psychologists are usually (or supposed to be) experts at administering this type of test, I would think there are special skills involved.

[ultramar]

Originally Posted by comicgeek007

I'm going to have to do this starting on friday. I would also like some information.

The test is administered in one go (4 straight hours) -I mention this because you say 'starting' on Friday, maybe it's a different eval you're doing? There will, though, be a follow-up appointment to discuss the results.

[comicgeek007]

Originally Posted by ultramar

The test is administered in one go (4 straight hours) -I mention this because you say 'starting' on Friday, maybe it's a different eval you're doing? There will, though, be a follow-up appointment to discuss the results.

Then I guess I'm not doing this test after all. I'm doing some other sort of testing for two hours on friday and then two mpre hours on monday. Thanks for the information!