[missjol3]

What kind of tests are given to determine if someone is mentally handicapped/retarded?

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by missjol3

What kind of tests are given to determine if someone is mentally handicapped/retarded?

it varies from location to location. your treatment provider can tell you what psychiatric evaluations/learning disorder evaluations/ IQ testing is available in your location.

here in NY we use a comprehensive approach which means we administer psychiatric tests for all mental disorders, academic/IQ testing, physical health testing that involves seeing both medical doctors and psychiatrists for complete testing due to the fact that many mental, physical and normal problems can impact a person's life on social, academic, behavioral and other levels of functioning.

only your treatment providers or a treatment provider in your own location can tell you what tests you or someone you know will have to take. my suggestion contact a treatment provider in your off line location. tell them you are interested in the availability for diagnostic testing of mental disorders/mental retardation and they will tell you what you must do to get that done.

[Travelinglady]

Hello, missjol3, and welcome to Psych Central!

[Perna]

Mentally handicapped/retarded is usually more developmental an issue and has different tests than psychiatric or even psychological issues. Tell your primary care physician what your basic worries/issues are and they can advise you if you should see a psychiatrist or a psychologist who does tests or if you should see another specialist who might be able to help with a developmental handicap.