PSYC3004 Walden Pros & Cons of Diagnosing Psychological Disorders Paper
Main Discussion
Social media often entertains us with tests such as “Which Disney Animal Are You?”, “Which 80s Toy Are You?”, or “Which U.S. State Should You Live In?” While these tests are fun and can sometimes feel like an accurate depiction of one’s personality, they lack standardization, reliability, and validity. Clinical assessments are useful in gathering relevant information about a client’s experience and complaint. The information gathered must be accurate and helpful in informing diagnosis and treatment planning. This week you have the opportunity to review a sample clinical interview as well as take and critique two online psychological tests.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the assigned chapter in your textbook, paying close attention to sections on assessment reliability and validity as well as clinical interviews.
Read the Sample Unstructured Clinical Interview document and the Jones (2010) article provided in this week’s Learning Resources. Below is a copy of the sample.
The following Unstructured Clinical Interview is just a sample, and clinical interviews will vary by clinician and purpose. Most clinical interviews will gather the following data in varying order (Jones, 2010):
Demographic and identifying information
Presenting problem or chief complaint
History of presenting problem
Family history
Relationship history
Developmental history
Educational history
Work history
Medical history
Substance use
Legal history
Previous counseling
Mental status examination (MSE)
Jones, K. D. (2010). The unstructured clinical interview. Journal of Counseling & Development, 88(2), 220226.
Client Name: __________________________________________DOB: __________________Age ______
Sex:M / F Address: ___________________________________________ Preferred Phone: ________
Are you a college student?Yes / No / FT / PTAre you employed? Yes / No / FT / PT
Name of your employer and/or school and occupation: __________________________________
Significant relationship status (check one):single engaged married separated divorced committed relationship other _____________________
If married, spouse’s name, age, occupation:____________________________________________
Those with whom you are now living (list people): ________________________________________
Where you reside: house (own rent) hotelroomapartment other____________
By whom were you referred?_________________________________________________________
PRESENTING PROBLEM(s):
Reason for seeking help now:
Depression symptoms (check all that apply):
__ Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day (e.g., sad, empty, tearful);
__ Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities most of the day, nearly every day;
__ Appetite/Weight changes: More than 5% change in weight OR decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day;
__ Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day;__ Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day;
__ Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day;__ Feelings of worthlessness, excessive/inappropriate guilt nearly daily;
__ Diminished ability to concentrate OR indecisiveness, nearly every day;__Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Anxiety symptoms (check all that apply):
__excessive worry; __restlessness; __easily fatigued; __difficulty concentrating; __mind going blank; __poor memory; __irritability; __ muscle tension; __sleep disturbance; __GI Sx’s; __headaches; __frequent thoughts of danger; __avoidance of situations that produce anxiety; __easily startled; __feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope; __other:____________________________________________
Obsessive or ritualistic beh/cog which interfere with routine activities? Yes / No ________________
Hx of Panic attacks? Yes / No.If yes, when
Panic Sx: Racing heart / sense of terror / sweaty / chills / chest pain, tightness / SOB / loss of control / weakness, dizzy, faint / tingling or numbness in hands, fingers, limbs
Impulsivity problems? Y / N:spending / sexual / food / alcohol / drugs / video games / gambling/
Hx of manic episode (observable by others; at least one week)? Yes / No.If yes, when:
Grandiosity / decreased need for sleep / more talkative, pressured speech / racing thoughts / easily distracted / increase in goal-directed behavior / psychomotor agitation / excessive pleasurable risky activity
Are symptoms recurrent/intermittent?Yes/ No _____________________________
Frequency/Severity of symptoms: ________________________________
Onset of symptoms:___ Rapid, as of: _______________
