What a psychological assessment is
The assessment combines a detailed history, a mental state examination, standardised symptom questionnaires and, where relevant, cognitive screening. It looks at when symptoms started, how they affect sleep, work, study and relationships, what has already been tried, and whether a physical condition or medicine could explain the picture.
Information from a family member or partner can be important, especially for attention, memory, mood episodes and behaviour change. Consent is taken before contacting anyone else. The aim is a working formulation and a treatment plan, not a label for its own sake.
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What it can clarify
Assessment can help distinguish depression from bipolar disorder, anxiety from medical causes of palpitations or breathlessness, OCD from ordinary worry, and adult ADHD from anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation or thyroid disease. It can also identify cognitive difficulties after stroke, brain injury, epilepsy or long-standing mental illness.
Formal neuropsychological testing uses a longer battery of standardised tests and is arranged when the question requires it, for example before major surgery, for dementia diagnosis, or for a detailed academic or occupational report. The clinic is honest about which questions can be answered in a standard consultation and which need a fuller assessment.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Clinical interview | Timeline, symptoms, context, risk and previous treatment |
| Standardised questionnaires | Measure severity and track change over time |
| Collateral history | Confirm episodes, attention, memory and behaviour change |
| Cognitive screening | Identify attention, memory or executive difficulties needing fuller testing |
How the process works
A first assessment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes and may be spread over more than one visit if a lot of history needs to be covered. Questionnaires may be completed before or during the appointment. Bring school or work reports, previous psychiatric or psychological reports, medical records and a list of current medicines.
Feedback explains the likely diagnosis or formulation, the uncertainty that remains, and the recommended next steps. A written summary can be prepared when it is needed for a doctor, employer, school or legal purpose, with the patient's consent. Assessment does not guarantee a particular diagnosis or a disability certificate.
Access and booking
Appointments are at Mind Wellness Center, Durbar Marg area, Kathmandu. Call +977-9747736624 or use /book-appointment. Telepsychiatry is available for appropriate follow-up and for patients who cannot attend in person. This is not an emergency service; if there is immediate risk of harm, go to the nearest emergency department.