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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on August 16, 2012, at 20:08:07
When I met with this new doc, one of the things he asked me to do was count backwards from 100 by 7s. Obviously, the first number is 93, etc.
I've never had a doc ask me to do that. Anyone know what that test is supposed to determine about me?
Posted by sleepygirl2 on August 16, 2012, at 21:25:48
In reply to The 7 test?, posted by Sheilac on August 16, 2012, at 20:08:07
I think it's concentration?
Posted by Twinleaf on August 16, 2012, at 21:33:32
In reply to The 7 test?, posted by Sheilac on August 16, 2012, at 20:08:07
Errors on subtracting 7's occur even with very mild degrees of cognitive impairment.
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 16, 2012, at 22:18:04
In reply to The 7 test?, posted by Sheilac on August 16, 2012, at 20:08:07
My last shrink did that...never had it before, either. I think they're just checking for cognitive problems. Happens in severe mental illness and can happen with the drugs.
Posted by Phillipa on August 16, 2012, at 22:47:06
In reply to Re: The 7 test?, posted by Twinleaf on August 16, 2012, at 21:33:32
I didn't know this thanks as have seen tests that ask for this to be done. Phillipa
Posted by Willful on August 17, 2012, at 8:42:02
In reply to Re: The 7 test? » Twinleaf, posted by Phillipa on August 16, 2012, at 22:47:06
oh great. now I can do this every time I think I've lost it. Which is frequently.
of course after a while, don't you just know the answers?
hmmmm
Willful
Posted by sheilac on August 17, 2012, at 10:28:12
In reply to Re: The 7 test?, posted by Willful on August 17, 2012, at 8:42:02
So, if you don't do well on this test, does it mean that the meds you are taking are making you goofy? Or that you have some ADD issues? Or that you are just bad at math?
What does it really mean in the real world as far as your diagnosis goes?
Posted by Twinleaf on August 17, 2012, at 12:33:15
In reply to Results Mean?, posted by sheilac on August 17, 2012, at 10:28:12
It's just a screening test to alert the pdoc that there might be cognitive issues which should be investigated further. The causes can range from anxiety and/ or depression, to the effects of medication or real cognitive changes. In a younger person, the first two reasons are much more likely.
Posted by emily elizabeth on August 17, 2012, at 14:30:40
In reply to The 7 test?, posted by Sheilac on August 16, 2012, at 20:08:07
If you want to do a google search, the test is referred to as "serial sevens."
Often it is given in the context of a mini mental status exam (MMSE). For example, you doctor might also ask you to remember some words, what month it is, etc. The MMSE is a way to get a quick sense of how well the patient is oriented to time and place, thinking clearly and able to pay attention.
It is sort of a rough thing though and one data point can only predict or tell us so much. I generally think of myself as of sound mind, but I know my anxiety would never let me do well on this test!
Best,
EE
Posted by Phillipa on August 17, 2012, at 20:39:40
In reply to Re: The 7 test?, posted by emily elizabeth on August 17, 2012, at 14:30:40
My ocd revolves a lot around numbers and math and sitting here right now I'll go all the way down perfectly. Put me on stage so to speak and I won't pass. Phillipa
Posted by sleepygirl2 on August 18, 2012, at 18:18:42
In reply to Re: The 7 test? » Sheilac, posted by sleepygirl2 on August 16, 2012, at 21:25:48
Speaking of cognitive issues...
A while ago, I was at my Pdoc appointment, and he asked me my age (for the script he was writing), and for the life of me I could not remember. I knew it was one of two numbers, but I wasn't sure which. That had to do with all of the weed I'd been smoking.... crazy
Posted by jane d on August 19, 2012, at 0:30:54
In reply to Re: The 7 test?, posted by sleepygirl2 on August 18, 2012, at 18:18:42
LOL. I asked someone my age just yesterday as I was filling out a form and no mind altering substances were involved at all. I took it to be a sign of age. I think as you get older each year matters a little less. For instance 19 is so different from 18 (at least to 19 year olds) but 49 and 48 - not so much.
Posted by SLS on August 20, 2012, at 6:14:23
In reply to Results Mean?, posted by sheilac on August 17, 2012, at 10:28:12
> So, if you don't do well on this test, does it mean that the meds you are taking are making you goofy? Or that you have some ADD issues? Or that you are just bad at math?
>
> What does it really mean in the real world as far as your diagnosis goes?I didn't do very well with this test. I was being screened for depression and cognitive impairments. For me, this test helped determine my eligibility for a residency housing program. I got down into the 50s and ended back up in the 90s without realizing it. I was stopped when I got down into the 70s again. No big deal. It was just a symptom of my depression. The results made me sad, but it wasn't telling me anything I didn't already know. Cognitive impairment has been a prominent feature of my case since age 20.
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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