The latest case study
Symptom validity testing – The psychologists new tool
When using psychometric measures to assess disorder or impairment the issue of embellishment, exaggeration or reduced levels of engagement is often now considered. Psychological assessment might sometimes be the primary source of evidence in personal injury claims and because of the dependence on patient cooperation and motivation, it is important to address the question of reduction in effort and malingering.
Whilst specific assessments of symptom validity have existed for many years, their psychometric properties and reliability have been ... more
Frequently Asked Questions - Older Adult Diagnostic Assessment
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How do I know if I need to see a Clinical Psycholo
You might be ‘referred’ by a health care professional (e.g. GP, nurse, or medical consultant), after experiencing cognitive changes, changes to your behaviour or other difficulties. You can also ‘self refer’ by contacting us and requesting an appointment although it is often very helpful to be referred by your GP or a professional who is familiar with your background and difficulties. Following referral, an appointment is usually offered to undertake an assessment. This assessment could help clarify the nature and extent of the changes, management/treatment options, advice and support.
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Who will I see?
You will be seen by a qualified Clinical Psychologist, with specialist experience of undertaking diagnostic assessments with older people. They will be registered with the Health Professions Council.
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What will happen at the appointment?
The Clinical Psychologist will assess you, often in some detail. This is likely to involve asking questions about your symptoms/changes, the background to your difficulties, your thoughts/feelings about your situation or condition and how these might be interfering with your everyday life, in terms of relationships, activities and your day-to-day functioning. It is also likely to involve some formal cognitive assessment, providing more in depth information regarding your psychological processing.
Your appointment is likely to take around 1½-2 hours but you will be advised on this prior to the appointment. It is often helpful to bring a relative or friend along with you.
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What will happen after this appointment?
By the end of the appointment a plan of action could be agreed with you about what options may be available. It is also possible that the psychologist will wish to find out additional information, with your consent. Other options might include:
• Feedback to your medical consultant to contribute to broader medical investigations regarding your condition.
• Recommendations for further appointments to explore the psychological changes and find ways of helping. This might include the use of specific psychological treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy and family based treatments.
• Practical recommendations to help you cope with changes and risks.
• Preparation of a letter/report to the referrer which you can request a copy of. -
Could I get this service on the NHS?
There are usually clinical psychologists in your local NHS Trust but your home address will determine what public services are available to you, where they are based and waiting times etc. You can often check this with your GP, Medical Consultant or we can investigate where you might find out this information.
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Will my health insurance cover this assessment and
Health Insurance policies are very different in the level of cover provided. Some policies also specify conditions that need to be met in order for cover to be granted. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have clarified this with your insurer before confirming any appointment offered.