Are they kidding? I never even took an IQ test when I was well so what is this going to prove?
I'm so done fighting this disease, believe me, If I could work, I would be dancing
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
IQ or psychological test? Are you sure?
That is weird!
Posted by lyme987 (Member # 22148) on :
They told me IQ does anyone know what kind of test this is? or how long? I can concentrate maybe 30 minutes,
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
iq is part of neuro psyc...it might help it can show learning disabilities or lower iq ...i graduated college magna cum laude and now cant do 4th grade math...it shows my brain has been affected..for me head injury is in the mix...but lyme infection in the brain can act like brain injury
this is my opinion...i dont pretend to understand ssdi...but some here do and may chime in
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
Pretty weird cuz you could flunk it on purpose. Doesn't seem like a reliable indicator of disability. More like a way to prove you COULD work.
If I ate a nice big sandwich before the test, my brain would be so inflamed I'd forget how to use the pencil.
Just sayin'...
Posted by OtterJ (Member # 30701) on :
...or it's a psychological manifestation. Can you ask more questions before you take this test? like, is this the MENSA test or what is this test called. You can stop the test whenever you want if they begin to get personal.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Pming you -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- An IQ test does not get personal. It tests your knowledge of a range of subjects. It does not at all touch on emotional or feelings, nor on any past experiences or current interpersonal relationships.
Just basic knowledge. And some of aptitude, for particular areas where you may shine (or not). Just be yourself.
A typical IQ test will not be the same full set as a MENSA candidate would get. A typical IQ test is not that difficult. You either know the answer or you don't. Lots of multiple choice, as I recall.
What can be difficult, though, is RETRIEVING that answer, and paying attention, sitting up long enough . . . so while the test questions are not so out of the ordinary, many with lyme don't have the endurance to take this test in the normal way.
You can request a different form and a break when needed but you need to do that well in advance of test scheduling. You can have an oral exam, lie down if you need even during the test, etc. Just ask right away.
If they are not accommodating, ask if it could be done through your local (I had the term and just lost it) . . . Rehabilitation Office (?) where they are used to accommodating a wide range of needs.
With ANY test, survey, questionairre: Just be honest. Totally yourself, in the moment and you won't have to worry about anything. Tell whomever is administering any test of your needs, etc.
I know someone who had to take 3 days to do one day's worth of testing. She had to break for healthy snacks and even quiet time. Don't overprotect but certain do take care of yourself as you need to at each step, as you would anyway.
Neurophysiatric testing is longer than an IQ test so this is where that accommodation may be most needed if they want this kind of test.
Fatigue is not a diagnosis but, for a test like QEEG / brain mapping, if it can show that you have slower brain waves that CAUSE fatigue, that's a different matter and measurable.
Myra Preston has nearly perfected this test and its usefullness to show what is going on with those who have fatigue issues, regardless of the exact cause. -
[ 06-15-2013, 04:02 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Not about IQ tests, per se but other tests, study the work of: Sheila Bastien in Berekely regarding cognition tests of those with CFS. Her work applies to those with lyme, too.
Her main focus is that those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome simply cannot take the same sort of tests as the general population. They must be designed differently due to the brain fatigue issues.
As do the QEEG / brain mapping tests of Myra Preston, Ph.D., also a neuro-researcher for the CFS community. Slow brain waves can show fatigue and cognitive issues.
For those with CFS (which is often lyme or other stealth infection) . . . it's not so much how smart a person is but their endurance and consistency, the ability to always be able to retrieve detail, etc.
This is why it's so vital to study both the researchers as to how you can get those kinds of tests that can most accurately and honestly show a true picture of that point in time. -
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
If after 20 minutes into the test you can't focus, just say you can't even read the questions anymore, it's just a jumble on the page.
Speak up if ANYTHING is uncomfortable during the evaluation.
Be firm if you can't read the questions.
They might have someone volunteer to read the questions to you and say the same thing, you can't follow the train of thought going on.
Don't let them bully you into completing a test.
I had the happen to me.
I was told I had to follow the test or I couldn't leave.
I bubbled in random answers without even reading the questions.
I told the evaluator I was having problems and he just kept saying I had to finish.
He had the nerve to write in his report that I claimed to have concentration problems, but finished the test with ease.
Posted by lyme987 (Member # 22148) on :
thanks everyone for the info!
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
judie that reminds me of a duck that wrote i "jumped up on the table" honestly...what a jerk...i was using a cane and holding on to the walls
Posted by Lyme2Long (Member # 40937) on :
It's "their" doctor, being paid by them. Cooperate, do the best you can, but listen to the advice given here...if you're tired, unable to follow, read, concentrate...say so. If they offer an accomodation, try it. If it's not working, say so.
If you need to tell them you're having a problem, be very clear, simple and direct. Don't let them put words in your mouth or subject what you are saying to interpretation. If they try, just say no and repeat exactly what you said previously. Not your problem to explain why you're having an issue, just report what you are experiencing.