Psychological Screening and Assessments

Understanding psychological testing and assessment

Psychological assessment is a process that involves checking the integration of information from multiple sources, such as tests of normal and abnormal personality, tests of ability or intelligence, tests of interests or attitudes, as well as information from personal interviews. Collateral information is also collected about personal, occupational, or medical history, such as from records or from interviews with parents, spouses, teachers, or previous therapists or physicians. A psychological test is one of the sources of data used within the process of assessment; usually more than one test is used. Many psychologists do some level of assessment when providing services to clients or patients, and may use for example, simple checklists to oasis for treatment settings; to assess a particular area of functioning or disability often for school settings; to help select type of treatment or to assess treatment outcomes; to help courts decide issues such as child custody or competency to stand trial; or to help assess job applicants or employees and provide career development counseling or training.

In many ways, psychological testing and assessment are similar to medical tests. If a patient has physical symptoms, a primary care provider may order X-rays or blood tests to understand what's causing those symptoms. The results of the tests will help inform develop a treatment plan.
Psychological evaluations serve the same purpose. Psychologists use tests and other assessment tools like questionnaires, batteries, scales to measure and observe a client's behavior and to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment and psychotherapy.
Psychologists administer tests and assessments for a wide variety of reasons. If a person is having problems at work or school, or in personal relationships, tests can help a psychologist understand whether he or she might have issues with anger management or interpersonal skills, or certain personality traits that contribute to the problem. Other tests evaluate whether clients are experiencing emotional disorders such as anxiety or depression.
In short, psychological testing and assessment allows a psychologist to see the full picture of a person's strengths and limitations.
Department of Psychology and Life skills, a wing of Vishnu Educational society, works to improve the psychological wellbeing of students and staff at large includes the promotion of psychological well-being, the prevention of psychological problems, empowering students with life skills to combat with challenges in their day today life.

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with psychological problems? If you have following problems, then it’s time to seek help
• Eating too much or having lack of hunger
• sleeping too much or having disturbed sleep
• decreased concentration on studies and other activities
• staying away from people and funny activities
• having low or no energy
• not interested in doing any thing
• having unexplained body pains
• feeling sad and hopeless
• spending excessive time with mobile
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, tensed, worried, angry, upset, or scared
• Arguing , quarrelling, shouting or fighting with family and friends for small reason