Ms. Magda, when is a patient referred for psychological assessment? How long does such an assessment take?
Magdalena Linke, M.A. : The assessment is conducted at the request of the person directly concerned or in response to a referral from an institution or a physician. It is important that the purpose of the assessment be clearly defined—the diagnostic question that the assessment is intended to answer.
Examples include assessing intellectual ability and specific cognitive functions, as well as what is commonly referred to as a comprehensive assessment, which aims to describe the psychological characteristics of the person being evaluated and the mechanisms of their functioning. Its purpose is to clarify problems in the person’s functioning so that appropriate assistance can be offered.
A psychological diagnosis is often very helpful in making a psychiatric diagnosis (of mental illnesses, developmental disorders, or personality disorders). The diagnostic process usually involves several sessions with a psychologist, but its duration depends on the purpose of the diagnosis, the tools used, and the person being diagnosed—for example, how quickly they are able to reveal relevant information about themselves.
What is psychological diagnosis?
ML: Psychological diagnosis is the answer to a previously posed diagnostic question. The tools the diagnostician uses depend on this question. Every diagnostician should use knowledge confirmed by scientific research (so-called evidence-based knowledge) and/or relevant psychological theory in their diagnosis. A diagnosis always involves a thorough interview and observation, as well as psychological tests.
What are the basic diagnostic methods?
ML: Psychological interview, observation, psychological tests, clinical trials.
Interviewed by: Klaudia Tworek
