The Bender Motor Gestalt Test

(Skipping the description about the test)…Emma completed the Bender drawings in 2 minutes and 33 seconds without scoreable [sic] error.  her figures were drawn in a somewhat disorganized fashion on the page.  There were no perceptual motor difficulties noted however.
The Trail Making Test, Part A and Part B (Skip) Within normal limits.

The MMPI-A (skipping description)  A review of her responses indicates that Emma was able to respond appropriately.  A review of validity scale configurations suggests that Emma responded in a mildly defensive manner to the items.  This does not invalidate the test by any means but does suggest that she may have minimized problems.  It is also noteworthy to mention that individuals with very high intellectual capability may be somewhat more prone to produce elevated defensiveness indicators.  A review of her clinical profile showed that all 10 scales were within normal limits.  A review of the supplementary scales showed near significant elevation on the McAndrews scale with all other scales being below the norm.  Similarly, her PSY-5 scales were all elevated below a T-score of 50.  Not surprisingly, all of the subscale scores were also generally within the norm.  Her highest elevations on the subscales were on the denial of social anxiety scale,  the need for affection scale, and the social imperturbability scale.  All of these sub scales were elevated at a T-score of 60 or higher.  A review of her responses on some of the critical items on the MMPI-A indicated episodic thoughts of killing oneself, acknowledgement of being physically beaten, a feeling of not being able to count on one’s family for help and a perception that one deserves severe punishment for sins.

NOTE:  I find it interesting that Emma felt she could not count on her family.  When she spoke to one of the DFACS therapists, whom Phill and I met with several times privately, she described her family as “very supportive.”  We were always a very close, touchy-hugging kind of family.  I won’t get into Emma’s feelings that one deserves severe punishment for sins at this time.  I don’t even know what to say about that one right now.

The DSM-IV Problem Checklist (skip description of test) …Emma did not endorse any of the items with the exception of a minimal endorsement of an item concerning difficulty sleeping and an item regarding using food to comfort oneself.

Due to the nature of Emma’s recent occurrences the decision was made to have her complete the Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale – II.  This scale is a patient self report survey that collects information regarding the presence of various symptioms and experiences that are often associated with dissociation.  Emma’s responses on the A-DES were remarkable for the very low rating on all of the items.  She mildly endorsed a symptom involving becoming so wrapped up in a TV show or video game that she loses awareness of what is going on around her.  Her ratings on all of the other 29 items on the scale were 0.  Emma’s responses on the A-DES clearly indicate that she is reporting virtually no experiences or symptoms that are commonly associated with having dissociative problems.

NOTE:  It it interesting to note here that about the only thing Emma watched on television at this time was Criminal Minds, one or more episodes daily.

In order to collect further subjective information regarding her perceptions and feelings, Emma was asked to respond to the Adolescent Sentence Completeion Test.  A review of her responses generally indicates a high degree of achievement motivation and a strong sense of wanting to remain in control.  She indicates particular difficulty in dealing with fear.  She indicates a desire to have her family more “normal.”  She also indicates that her pride may be a potential fault of hers.  There is nothing in her responses that suggests disordered thinking delusional thinking or bizarre themes.

Note:  Control.