If you are in an emergency
Support lines are managed centrally and are published only after verification by an official source.
Professional assessment of cognitive, emotional, personality-related and psychosomatic functioning through clinical interview, observation and appropriately selected psychological methods.
Psychodiagnostics is a process of professional investigation and understanding of a person's psychological functioning. It may be directed towards cognitive abilities, memory, attention, emotional state, personality functioning, ways of coping with stress and illness, or towards a specific clinical question.
Psychological assessment is not reduced to completing a test. The result of a single questionnaire, scale or cognitive task has no independent diagnostic significance. The assessment includes a clinical interview, observation, appropriately selected psychological methods and integration of the information obtained with the person's history, health status and current functioning.
The methods are selected by the psychologist according to the specific question, age, condition and purpose of the investigation. It is neither necessary nor appropriate for every person to undergo the same set of tests.
Depending on the case, the result of the psychological assessment may support clinical understanding, the planning of psychological or psychotherapeutic work, the monitoring of changes in functioning, or interaction with other medical and social professionals.
Neuropsychological assessment in adults
What is it?
Neuropsychological assessment examines various aspects of cognitive functioning – memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, language, information processing speed, visuospatial abilities and other cognitive processes.
Such an assessment may be necessary when a person or their relatives notice a change in memory, concentration, orientation or the ability to organise daily activities. It may also be useful in neurological, oncological, vascular or other somatic illness that potentially affects cognitive functioning.
It is important to distinguish between the subjective sense of "poor memory" and genuinely measurable cognitive difficulties. Anxiety, depressive states, sleep disturbances, fatigue, pain and certain medications can also significantly affect concentration and memory.
For this reason, the results are interpreted in the context of the overall condition, rather than as a mechanical comparison of test scores.
Who is it suitable for?
For adults with complaints or established changes in cognitive functioning, as well as when a more detailed assessment is needed following a medical illness or treatment.
When can it be useful?
- in cases of memory changes;
- in cases of difficulty concentrating;
- in cases of slowed thinking;
- in cases of difficulty with planning and organisation;
- after a neurological illness or incident;
- in cases of oncological illness and treatment;
- when cognitive decline is suspected;
- when it is necessary to determine which cognitive functions are preserved and which are impaired.
What does the psychological work involve?
A clinical interview, assessment of the current psychological state, and selection of standardised neuropsychological methods according to the specific clinical question.
Attention, memory, executive functions, language and visuospatial abilities, psychomotor speed and other functions may be examined.
How does the first meeting proceed?
It begins with a detailed clarification of the reason for the assessment – when the difficulties began, how they manifest, how they affect daily life, and what the person's medical condition is.
The necessary methods and the scope of the investigation are then determined.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual and usually in person, as most of the methods require standardised conditions.
Duration and frequency
Depending on the scope, the assessment may be conducted in one longer session or in several separate meetings.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with qualification and competence in clinical and neuropsychological assessment.
Important
Neuropsychological assessment does not replace neurological, psychiatric or other medical investigation. If a medical cause for a cognitive change is suspected, the corresponding medical follow-up is required.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Assessment of memory and cognitive functioning
What is it?
The complaint "I've started forgetting" may mean different things. In one person the difficulty is related to acquiring new information, in another – to retrieving it, while in a third the underlying problem is actually impaired attention.
Memory does not function in isolation. In order for information to be remembered, a person must first be able to direct and sustain attention, and to organise and process it. For this reason, the assessment of memory often includes other cognitive functions as well.
Age, sleep, anxiety, depressive mood, medications, chronic pain, physical illness and fatigue may all have an influence.
The purpose of the psychological assessment is to establish whether there is an objectively measurable difficulty and what its nature is, rather than simply to confirm the subjective feeling of forgetfulness.
Who is it suitable for?
For adults who notice changes in memory or other cognitive abilities, or whose relatives have noticed such a change.
When can it be useful?
- in cases of frequently forgetting conversations and events;
- in cases of difficulty remembering new information;
- in cases of misplacing objects in an unusual way;
- in cases of problems with orientation;
- in cases of difficulty carrying out usual sequential tasks;
- in cases of a subjective sense of significant deterioration;
- when relatives notice a change;
- when follow-up over time is needed.
What does the psychological work involve?
A clinical interview and psychological examination of memory, attention and other functions necessary for the correct interpretation of the results.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The onset and development of the complaints, daily functioning, medical history, medications, sleep and emotional state are discussed.
Where appropriate and with the person's consent, information from a relative may also be useful.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, usually in person.
Duration and frequency
Depending on the scope of the investigation – one or several meetings.
Who conducts the assessment?
A clinical psychologist with appropriate competence.
Important
Ordinary forgetfulness related to fatigue or age is not equivalent to dementia. On the other hand, newly appearing and progressive cognitive change must also be assessed medically.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Assessment in cases of suspected cognitive decline
What is it?
Cognitive decline means a change relative to a person's previous level of functioning. It may affect memory, attention, language, orientation, the ability to plan, or other cognitive functions.
The causes can be varied. Alongside neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive difficulties may be observed in vascular diseases, depression, sleep disorders, metabolic disturbances, certain medications, neurological conditions and other medical factors.
For this reason, psychological assessment should not be used on its own to establish a medical diagnosis. Its role is to describe the cognitive profile and to support the broader diagnostic evaluation.
It is particularly important to also assess the extent to which the identified difficulties affect independence and daily functioning.
Who is it suitable for?
For people in whom a change in cognitive functioning is suspected, especially when it is newly appeared or progressing over time.
When can it be useful?
- in cases of gradually increasing forgetfulness;
- in cases of difficulties with orientation;
- in cases of changes in language;
- in cases of problems organising daily tasks;
- in cases of unusual errors in managing finances or medications;
- in cases of a change in the ability to function independently;
- upon referral from a neurologist, psychiatrist or other physician.
What does the psychological work involve?
A clinical interview, cognitive screening and, if necessary, a more detailed neuropsychological assessment. Memory, attention, executive functions, language and other areas may be examined.
How does the first meeting proceed?
Information is gathered about previous and current functioning and about the dynamics of the changes. With consent, a conversation with a relative may also be held.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, usually in person.
Duration and frequency
One or several meetings depending on the scope required.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with competence in clinical neuropsychology.
Important
The diagnosis of dementia and other neurological diseases is a medical one. Psychological assessment may be an important part of the diagnostic process, but it does not replace it.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Psychodiagnostics of personality functioning
What is it?
Personality functioning refers to the way in which a person experiences themselves, regulates their emotions, builds relationships, copes with conflicts and organises their inner psychic life.
Psychodiagnostics of personality does not consist of placing a person into a simple category or defining them as a specific "type". The aim is to build a deeper understanding of the individual's way of functioning.
The assessment may be useful in cases of a complex clinical picture, recurrent difficulties in relationships, persistent emotional problems, or when it is necessary to plan appropriate psychotherapeutic work.
The methods used may include standardised personality questionnaires, clinical interview and other psychodiagnostic techniques, but the results are always interpreted in an integrative manner.
Who is it suitable for?
For adults in whom there is a need for a deeper understanding of personality and emotional functioning.
When can it be useful?
- in cases of recurrent difficulties in relationships;
- in cases of significant emotional instability;
- in cases of difficulty understanding one's own reactions;
- in cases of persistent problems with self-esteem;
- in cases of complex or unclear psychological symptomatology;
- in preparation for longer-term psychotherapy;
- when the specialist requires a more structured clinical assessment.
What does the psychological work involve?
A detailed clinical interview, standardised and, if necessary, supplementary methods for personality assessment, and integration of the results.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The reason for the assessment, current difficulties, personal history and significant relationships are clarified.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
Usually requires several meetings depending on the scope of the assessment.
Who conducts the assessment?
A clinical psychologist qualified to use the relevant psychodiagnostic instruments.
Important
The result from an individual personality test does not constitute a stand-alone diagnosis. Its interpretation requires clinical qualification and a comprehensive assessment.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Psychological assessment in anxiety states
What is it?
Anxiety can take various forms – constant worry, panic attacks, specific fears, social anxiety, health anxiety or intense bodily tension.
Psychological assessment aims to clarify the nature, intensity and impact of anxiety experiences, as well as the factors that may trigger or maintain them.
It is important to bear in mind that anxiety may be a stand-alone psychological difficulty, but it may also be associated with a physical illness, medication treatment, a life crisis or another mental condition.
For this reason, the assessment is not based solely on the result of an anxiety questionnaire.
Who is it suitable for?
For people with significant anxiety experiences, panic symptoms or prolonged tension.
When can it be helpful?
- with persistent anxiety;
- with panic attacks;
- with strong fears;
- with avoidant behaviour;
- with health anxiety;
- with significant bodily tension;
- when anxiety disrupts work, sleep or relationships;
- before beginning psychological or psychotherapeutic work.
What does the psychological work include?
A clinical interview and, where necessary, standardised scales and questionnaires for anxiety, depression and general psychological distress.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The onset, frequency and nature of the symptoms, the medical history and the situations in which the anxiety intensifies are examined.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
Usually one or several assessment sessions.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with clinical competence.
Important
Physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or sudden dizziness must not automatically be attributed to anxiety before the necessary medical assessment has been carried out.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Psychological assessment in depressive states
What is it?
A depressive state may include sadness, loss of interest and pleasure, fatigue, a sense of hopelessness, sleep and appetite disturbances, difficulty concentrating and a negative attitude towards oneself.
However, similar symptoms can also occur in severe physical illness, chronic pain, grief, medication treatment or other conditions. For this reason, their significance must be assessed clinically.
Psychological assessment examines not only the number and severity of the symptoms, but also their duration, the life context and their impact on daily functioning.
A particularly important part is the assessment of safety, including the presence of thoughts of death or suicide.
Who is it suitable for?
For people with prolonged low mood, loss of interest, severe fatigue, hopelessness or other depressive experiences.
When can it be helpful?
- with prolonged sadness or emptiness;
- with loss of interest;
- with social withdrawal;
- with sleep disturbances;
- with feelings of guilt or worthlessness;
- with a significant decline in daily functioning;
- when it is necessary to assess the severity of the condition;
- when monitoring psychological or psychiatric care.
What does the psychological work include?
A clinical interview and appropriate psychometric instruments for assessing depression and related psychological characteristics.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The current symptoms, their duration, previous similar periods, physical health, relationships and safety risk are examined.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
Depending on the clinical question.
Who conducts the assessment?
A clinical psychologist.
Important
In the presence of suicidal thoughts with a specific plan, immediate risk or a severe acute condition, urgent psychiatric or emergency medical assistance is required.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Psychological assessment in oncological illness
What is it?
An oncological diagnosis and its treatment can be associated with significant psychological burden, but patients' reactions vary, and not every instance of anxiety or sadness constitutes a mental disorder.
Psychological assessment in psycho-oncology aims to establish what type of support a particular person needs. It examines psychological distress, anxiety and depressive experiences, coping strategies, relationships, social support and the illness's impact on quality of life.
Cognitive functioning may also be assessed when the patient reports changes in concentration, memory or mental performance during or after treatment.
The main goal is not to "psychiatrise" the natural human reaction to a serious illness, but to identify in a timely manner the need for psychological, psychotherapeutic, social or psychiatric support.
Who is it suitable for?
For people with an oncological illness at various stages of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
When can it be helpful?
- immediately after the diagnosis;
- with severe psychological distress;
- with anxiety or depressive symptoms;
- with difficult adaptation to treatment;
- with fear of recurrence;
- with changes in cognitive functioning;
- with serious family or social difficulties;
- when the medical team or the patient themselves needs a more structured assessment.
What does the psychological work include?
A clinical interview and, depending on the specific question, standardised instruments for distress, anxiety, depression, quality of life, cognitive or other psychological functioning.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The medical situation is discussed to the extent necessary for the psychological work, together with the current emotional state, daily functioning, relationships and available resources.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual, in person or, under suitable conditions, online for part of the assessment.
Duration and frequency
One or several sessions.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with competence in psycho-oncology and clinical psychodiagnostics.
Important
Psychological assessment is part of comprehensive oncological care and does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Psychological assessment in chronic and somatic illness
What is it?
A prolonged physical illness can affect many areas of life – work, family roles, sleep, social contacts, body image and the sense of independence.
Psychological assessment aims to understand how a person experiences the illness and to what extent it is associated with anxiety, depression, difficulty adapting, social isolation or a change in quality of life.
It does not seek a psychological "cause" for the physical illness. The focus is on the interaction between the physical condition, the psychological experience and the social context.
The assessment may be helpful in planning psychological support and in gaining a better understanding of the patient's psychosocial needs.
Who is it suitable for?
For people with chronic, prolonged or significant somatic illnesses.
When can it be helpful?
- with difficult adaptation to the diagnosis;
- with anxiety and depressive experiences;
- with a change in work capacity;
- with social withdrawal;
- with a change in family roles;
- with long-term treatment;
- with a significantly reduced quality of life;
- when a more structured assessment of psychological needs is required.
What does the psychological work include?
A clinical interview and, where necessary, standardised instruments for assessing emotional functioning, distress, coping and quality of life.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The way in which the illness has changed the person's daily life and life in general is examined, together with current psychological and social difficulties.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
Depending on the purpose – one or several sessions.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with competence in medical psychology and working with physical illness.
Important
Psychological assessment does not determine the medical severity of the illness and does not replace the assessment of the treating physician.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Psychological assessment in chronic pain
What is it?
Chronic pain is a complex experience that can be influenced simultaneously by biological, psychological and social factors.
Psychological assessment does not question the reality of the pain and does not imply that it is "purely psychogenic". The aim is to understand how prolonged pain affects mental functioning and how psychological processes such as fear, anxiety, insomnia or avoidance may further contribute to the experience and to the limitations in daily life.
Mood, sleep, fear of movement, attention to bodily sensations, coping strategies and the impact on work and relationships may all be examined.
In this way, psychological assessment can be part of the multidisciplinary care in chronic pain.
Who is it suitable for?
For people with prolonged or recurrent pain that has a significant impact on psychological and social functioning.
When can it be helpful?
- when pain severely limits daily life;
- with fear of movement or activity;
- with sleep disturbances;
- with anxiety or depression;
- with constant monitoring of bodily sensations;
- with social withdrawal;
- when life gradually becomes organised almost entirely around the pain.
What does the psychological work include?
A clinical interview and, where necessary, a standardised assessment of psychological distress, mood, anxiety, attitude towards pain and its impact on functioning.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The history of the pain, medical investigations and treatment, daily functioning, sleep, relationships and emotional state are discussed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
One or several sessions.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with competence in medical psychology, psychosomatics and chronic pain.
Important
Psychological assessment does not replace the medical clarification of the causes of pain and does not mean that the symptoms are imaginary.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Assessment of psychosomatic functioning
What is it?
Psychosomatic assessment examines the way in which bodily state, psychic life, relationships and life context are interwoven in an individual's functioning.
It is not based on the idea that behind every bodily symptom there exists a specific “hidden emotion”, nor that the psychologist must uncover the psychological cause of the physical illness.
Instead, it considers how a person experiences their own body, how they recognise and psychically process tension, how they react when ill, and how bodily symptoms fit into their personal history and relationships.
Psychosomatic assessment is particularly useful when the medical and the psychological cannot meaningfully be regarded as entirely separate domains.
Who is it suitable for?
For people with bodily complaints or chronic illnesses, where a deeper understanding of the interaction between psychic and bodily functioning is needed.
When can it be helpful?
- with prolonged or recurring bodily complaints;
- when stress has a strong influence on symptoms;
- with a chronic somatic illness;
- with significant anxiety about the body;
- when a person has difficulty recognising their own emotional states;
- when planning of psychotherapeutic work is needed;
- when bodily suffering has a serious impact on relationships and life.
What does the psychological work involve?
A detailed clinical interview, examination of the medical and psychological history and, where necessary, specialised psychodiagnostic methods.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The symptoms, the medical investigations and treatment carried out, life events, relationships and the way the person experiences the illness and their own body are discussed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
Usually several meetings for a more in-depth assessment.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with qualification and competence in the field of clinical psychology and psychosomatics.
Important
Psychosomatic assessment does not replace medical diagnostics and does not mean that the physical symptoms are “imagined” or caused solely by psychological factors.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Psychological assessment following a traumatic experience
What is it?
After an experience involving a real or perceived threat to life, physical integrity or safety, various psychological reactions may occur.
These may include intrusive memories, nightmares, intense tension, avoidance, mood changes, sleep difficulties, heightened vigilance, or a sense that what happened continues to be present even after the danger has passed.
Such reactions immediately after a severe event do not automatically indicate the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder. For a correct assessment, the nature of the event, the time that has passed since it occurred, the intensity of the reactions and their impact on daily functioning are important.
The assessment aims to establish what type of support the person needs and whether more specialised psychotherapeutic or psychiatric treatment is necessary.
Who is it suitable for?
For adults following a severe accident, violence, sudden loss, medical crisis or other traumatic experience.
When can it be helpful?
- with intrusive memories;
- with nightmares;
- with avoidance of reminders;
- with intense anxiety;
- with constant vigilance;
- with a feeling of detachment or unreality;
- with a significant change in daily functioning;
- when symptoms do not decrease or intensify over time.
What does the psychological work involve?
A clinical interview and, where necessary, standardised instruments for assessing traumatic stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms and general psychological functioning.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The person does not need to describe the traumatic event in detail if they are not ready to do so. Initially, the current state, safety and main symptoms are assessed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
One or several assessment meetings, after which follow-up psychological work may be offered.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with competence in clinical assessment and work with traumatic experiences.
Important
In cases of immediate risk to life, severe disorganisation or suicidal risk, urgent medical or psychiatric help is needed.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Assessment of the psychological burden on relatives and carers
What is it?
Prolonged care for a severely ill person can gradually affect the physical and psychic state of the carer.
Relatives often place their own needs last. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, feelings of guilt and a sense that one has no right to complain because the ill person is in a worse situation accumulate.
The psychological assessment aims to establish the degree of burden and the way in which caregiving affects emotional, family, social and professional functioning.
It can be a first step towards psychological support, a change in the organisation of care, or the mobilisation of additional resources.
Who is it suitable for?
For partners, parents, children and other people who provide long-term care for a severely or chronically ill relative.
When can it be helpful?
- with prolonged fatigue;
- with sleep disturbances;
- with anxiety and irritability;
- with feelings of guilt;
- with social isolation;
- with a sense of complete exhaustion;
- when caring for the ill person has displaced almost all other areas of life;
- when planning of additional support is needed.
What does the psychological work involve?
A clinical interview and, where necessary, instruments for assessing burden, psychological distress, anxiety, depressive experiences and quality of life.
How does the first meeting proceed?
The nature of the care, its intensity and duration, the available help, daily functioning and the emotional state of the carer are discussed.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual.
Duration and frequency
Usually one or several meetings.
Who conducts the assessment?
A psychologist with competence in medical psychology, psycho-oncology or work with relatives and carers.
Important
The assessment is focused on the state of the carer themselves. The presence of exhaustion does not mean a lack of love or commitment towards the ill person.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Psychological assessment in connection with ТЕЛК and НЕЛК
What is it?
In certain illnesses or impairments, it may be necessary to document psychological or cognitive deficits that are relevant to the person's daily and social functioning.
The psychological examination can describe the functioning established at that time – for example memory, attention, intellectual or emotional functioning – as well as the extent to which certain deficits are established through the applicable psychological methods.
The psychologist's aim is to carry out an objective examination within their professional competence and to formulate a psychological conclusion. They do not determine the percentage of permanently reduced working capacity or the type and degree of impairment and cannot predict what decision ТЕЛК or НЕЛК will make.
Not every illness requires a psychological examination. The need depends on the nature of the condition and the question that needs to be assessed.
Who is it suitable for?
For adults for whom, in connection with a procedure before ТЕЛК or НЕЛК, it is necessary to assess psychological or cognitive functions within the competence of the clinical psychologist.
When can it be helpful?
- with documented cognitive difficulties;
- with neurological illnesses;
- with certain mental disorders;
- following brain injury;
- when a description of memory, attention or other psychological functions is needed;
- when a treating specialist or medical documentation indicates the need for a psychological assessment.
What does the psychological work involve?
Review of the relevant medical documentation, a clinical interview and selected methods according to the specific diagnostic question.
The psychologist may prepare a conclusion regarding the psychological functioning established within the examination carried out.
How does the first meeting proceed?
Before beginning, the purpose of the assessment and the psychological question to be examined are clarified. It is recommended that the relevant medical documents be provided.
Format and frequency
Format
Individual and in person, when the methods used require a standardised examination.
Duration and frequency
Depends on the required scope and may include one or several meetings.
Who conducts the assessment?
A clinical psychologist with competence in the relevant area of psychodiagnostics.
Important
The Institute and the psychologist do not determine a percentage for ТЕЛК/НЕЛК and do not guarantee a specific decision by the commission. The psychological conclusion represents a professional assessment of the psychological functions examined, while the decision on the type and degree of impairment is made solely by the competent authorities.
← All topics in the “Psychodiagnostics and psychological assessment” section
Important for all psychological examinations
Psychodiagnostics is not mechanical “testing”. No single questionnaire, cognitive test or scale alone is sufficient for making a clinical diagnosis.
The psychologist selects the methods according to the specific person and the clinical question. Depending on the case, cognitive and neuropsychological tests, personality methods, clinical scales and other standardised instruments may be used.
The results are interpreted together with the clinical interview, observation, medical and psychological history and current functioning. When the question requires medical diagnostics, the assessment is carried out in collaboration with, or with referral to, the relevant medical specialist.