Mind-boggling

Q. What is a mini-mental state examination?

A. This is a type of test that is used to determine how well a person is thinking. It is used to screen persons to determine if they have cognitive impairment or to determine how severe an impairment is.

It is a convenient test form that asks the client to complete comprehension, reading, writing and drawing tasks. Psychologists and psychiatrists may use this form.

Academic hurdle

Q. I am a student at a college and not doing well in my academics at the moment. The counsellor wants me to be tested to determine if I am adjusting well. Can someone test me and determine this?

A. Yes. A counsellor or psychologist can test you to determine how well you are coping at school. The test would usually involve items that look for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, sense of esteem, interpersonal, career and family problems. When you have responded to items on the test(s) then the psychologist will analyse the information and decide what your concerns are.

Orlean Brown Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist who works with children with learning and behaviour problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com