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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by scatterbrained on October 26, 2003, at 22:31:21
I've been getting mixed opinions from different people regarding whether I should take a neuro-psych test before or after SUCCESSFUL treatment for a very severe case of cognitive debilitating depression, at least I think that's what it is. Some professionals think that taking a test while so debilitated would distort the results. And some think it's essential that I take a test before hand so that the doctor knows exactly what he's dealing with.Is there any study on this topic? Is there any consensus in the medical community about this or is it just a matter of opinion?
Posted by DanielJ on October 27, 2003, at 6:43:43
In reply to NEURO-PSYCH TESTS BEFORE OR AFTER TREATMENT, posted by scatterbrained on October 26, 2003, at 22:31:21
I would like to know the answer to this also. My son was supposedly tested by a Psychiatrist (not his regular psychiatrist) and found to be schizo-typical. In addition the school board wants to test him both psychologically and scholastically before he can return to full time school. But.... what is the value of such testing when a patient has recovered? Test before, after or during recovery. Does anyone know?
Posted by dazedandconfused on October 27, 2003, at 9:04:42
In reply to Re: NEURO-PSYCH TESTS BEFORE OR AFTER Mee Too!, posted by DanielJ on October 27, 2003, at 6:43:43
Excellent question! I too have wondered about this. My initial reaction would say to have the testing first, so that treatment could be more focused and accurate (perhaps). I would love to hear others thoughts though. There are some very experienced posters out there...
Posted by chicago77 on October 30, 2003, at 20:24:34
In reply to Re: NEURO-PSYCH TESTS BEFORE OR AFTER Me Three!, posted by dazedandconfused on October 27, 2003, at 9:04:42
> Excellent question! I too have wondered about this. My initial reaction would say to have the testing first, so that treatment could be more focused and accurate (perhaps). I would love to hear others thoughts though. There are some very experienced posters out there...
Woo-hoo... you found an "experienced poster"!! I actually used to work as a Pediatric Neuropsychology Technician for about a year and a half (and my undergrad is in psych and I'm working on my Master's to be a Physician Assistant... does that make me qualified?!). So, here's my perspective- neuropsych testing can be done at any stage of psychiatric disorders or treatment. Depression has cognitive effects for anyone suffering from this debilitating disorder. However, if your cognitive impairment is severe, the testing will be very important to find out the extent. Neuropsychologists are trained to correlate your clinical symptoms with the results of your testing. Typical tests involve intelligence, memory, language, attention, cognitive ability and personality/mood. These results are compiled to form a "big picture" of what's going on with you and decide on the best course of treatment (and for children, to decide if any modification should be made regarding their schooling). Ideally we would all be tested before any onset of psychiatric disorders to have a baseline of funtioning (compare this to something like EKG testing- it's best to have a normal study for comparison during a cardiac event). I hope this is enough information to at least understand the importance of neuropsych testing and realize that the interpretation will take into account your mental status. If you guys have any other specific questions, feel free to post. I will check back and answer to the best of my ability. As a side note, I believe that Dr. Bob works at University of Chicago, and they have an excellent neuropsych department. He might have some other thoughts that I didn't touch on re: neuropsych testing. Best of luck to all of you! One bit of advice... when you go in for testing, relax!! Being anxious will further inhibit your ability. You're not trying to "ace" the tests, you are trying to get an understanding of your cognitive funtioning so that you can treat the impairment.
Posted by scatterbrained on November 4, 2003, at 16:46:27
In reply to Re: NEURO-PSYCH TESTS BEFORE OR AFTER , posted by chicago77 on October 30, 2003, at 20:24:34
Thank you very much for the advice
Posted by ann33 on November 8, 2003, at 8:43:24
In reply to Re: NEURO-PSYCH TESTS BEFORE OR AFTER , posted by chicago77 on October 30, 2003, at 20:24:34
> Woo-hoo... you found an "experienced poster"!!Hi,
I am just curious then... why depression is called mental illness when can be just one "chemical process defect" nothing relating at all to your mood( but influencing it of course like every other disease)?
thanks ann
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