ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSIS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSY 844- 3 CREDIT HOURS
Prof. Dr. George Gonzalez, Ph.D.
SYLLABUS
COURSE OVERVIEW:
Psychological tests represent a more indirect method of assessing psychological characteristics. The tests used by psychologists compare the client’s responses to standardized stimuli with the responses of other people with similar demographic characteristics, usually through established test norms or test score distributions. In many ways, psychological testing and assessment are similar to medical tests. The results of the tests will help inform develop a treatment plan. Psychological evaluations serve the same purpose. Psychologists use tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe a client's behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment. Psychologists administer tests and assessments for a wide variety of reasons. Tests for skills such as dexterity, reaction time and memory can help a neuropsychologist diagnose conditions such as brain injuries or dementia. Psychological tests and assessments allow a psychologist to understand the nature of the problem, and to figure out the best way to go about addressing it. Tests and assessments are two separate but related components of a psychological evaluation. Psychologists use both types of tools to help them arrive at a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Students become knowledgeable of the principles of clinical diagnosis and the development of treatment plans. The objective of this course is to provide students with a fundamental background in assessment and measurement, and to prepare students to function in clinical assessment settings. This course provides an introduction to concepts, theory, and practices in clinical psychological assessment for all ages. This course focuses on methods and objective measures used in the assessment of child, adolescent and adult patients across a wide range referral questions. It is designed to cover major domains of assessment of practicing clinical psychology. The objective is to provide students with skills for conducting psychological assessment. Understanding and appropriately treating psychological disorders depends, in large part on the adequacy of clinical assessment. The assessment process typically involves interviews, observations, and psychological tests that are then integrated to develop a summary of the client’s symptoms and problems. Psychological assessment uses tests, observations, and interviews. Clinical diagnosis is when the clinician arrives at a disorder based on the most recent edition of the DSM, the DSM-5. Assessment results are frequently used to establish a baseline of client behavior from which subsequent behavior can be judged in the process of clinical diagnosis; by classifying a disorder according to a clearly defined system such as the DSM-5 or the ICD-10 (International Classification of Disease). Even after this initial assessment and diagnosis, continued assessment is critical to determine the course and effectiveness of treatment procedures. Introduction to the structure and uses of the DSM-5 and ICD-10 systems for diagnosing mental and emotional disorders. Limits and weaknesses of these approaches—especially with regard to cultural differences—and alternatives to them. How to use these systems effectively in the context of person-centered, psychosocial, and systemic interventions, and in culturally diverse environments. Current knowledge, theory, and issues regarding selected disorders. Testing involves the use of formal tests such as questionnaires or checklists. These are often described as “norm-referenced” tests. That simply means the tests have been standardized so that test-takers are evaluated in a similar way, no matter where they live or who administers the test. A psychological assessment can include numerous components such as norm-referenced psychological tests, informal tests and surveys, interview information, school or medical records, medical evaluation and observational data. A psychologist determines what information to use based on the specific questions being asked. Together, testing and assessment allows a psychologist to see the full picture of a person's strengths and limitations. Use of technology-based research tools to secure and evaluate contemporary knowledge. This course is designed to introduce students to the current standard used in diagnosing mental disorders, DSM-IV-TR. Students will learn the components of the mental status examination and clinical inquiry necessary to collect sufficient data to utilize the DSM-IV-TR effectively. Mindful of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of each person, students will be challenged to approach the evaluation of individuals with mental and emotional disorders in a holistic fashion. Understanding and appropriately treating psychological disorders depends, in large part on the adequacy of clinical assessment. The assessment process typically involves interviews, observations, and psychological tests that are then integrated to develop a summary of the client’s symptoms and problems. Assessment results are frequently used to establish a baseline of client behavior from which subsequent behavior can be judged in the process of clinical diagnosis; by classifying a disorder according to a clearly defined system such as the DSM-5 or the ICD-10 (International Classification of Disease). Even after this initial assessment and diagnosis, continued assessment is critical to determine the course and effectiveness of treatment procedures.