Psychological Assessment 101

Learning differences are most often identified after children or teens begin having trouble in school. Disruptive or inattentive behavior in the classroom, poor test scores, falling behind peers in reading or math, missing homework assignments, or overall poor grades are among the many reasons parents or teachers begin to suspect a child may have a learning disorder. Not surprisingly, once a learning disorder has been identified, much of the focus is placed on accommodations or [...]

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues Americans face each year. If we are to believe commercials for antidepressants, the main defining symptom of depression is “feeling blue.” While sadness and depressed mood are key symptoms in diagnosing the disorder, there are many other symptoms and lifestyle changes that are associated with depression. Many of these symptoms might not be recognized as depression, either by observers or by the depressed person him- [...]

Parents of young children are often told how important it is to expose their children to learning and reading as early as possible. Now, new research shows how beneficial this early learning really can be. Researchers examined children beginning in pre-school and again later when those children were 12 or 13, looking at the areas of math and reading. They found that pre-schoolers whose parents regularly read and talked about books with them had better [...]

By their very nature, children can be challenging or uncooperative at times. Perhaps they have an occasional tantrum. When these tantrums and defiant behaviors become routine and interfere with daily life, the child may be showing signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Oppositional Defiant Disorder is typically diagnosed in children and adolescents and is based on a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behaviors, and/or vindictiveness that lasts at least 6 months. Children and adolescents with [...]

***Please note this blog is intended to present information about treatment options for ADHD and relevant new research. These are not recommendations, and treatment decisions for yourself or your child should be made by you and your healthcare provider. There are many treatment options for children and adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with new medications and devices becoming approved each year. The most common go-to treatment option is medication, which is most often in the [...]