Clinical

What is clinical psychology primarily focused on?

The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal behavior.

Where are clinical psychologists typically employed?

Hospitals, public and private mental health centers, independent practice, and academia.

What distinguishes clinical psychologists from counseling psychologists?

Clinical psychologists focus on severe pathology, while counseling psychologists focus on everyday concerns.

What is the DSM-5 used for?

It is the reference source for diagnosing mental disorders.

What is included in the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5?

Names and descriptions of all mental disorders, along with specific criteria for diagnosis.

What is the purpose of psychological assessment?

To clarify psychological problems, make diagnoses, and design treatment plans.

Name one tool used in clinical assessment.

Wechsler intelligence test or MMPI-3.

What is the goal of using psychological tests in a clinical context?

To gather information about a patient's mental state and guide treatment.

What are case history data used for in assessment?

To provide context and information about a client's background.

How can insight-oriented methods of treatment be beneficial?

They are suitable for patients high in intelligence who can benefit from abstract thought.

What does it mean to have a DSM-5 diagnosis?

It conveys key information about a patient’s behavior, cognition, and emotions.

What is meant by 'incidence' in mental health?

The rate of new occurrences of a particular disorder in a population.

What does 'prevalence' refer to in mental health statistics?

The proportion of individuals in a population who have a disorder at a given time.

What constitutes a mental status examination?

A structured assessment of a patient's intellectual, emotional, and neurological functioning.

What symptoms might indicate the presence of depression?

Low motivation, changes in appetite, and feelings of hopelessness.

What role does cultural factors play in psychological assessment?

They can impact how assessments are conducted and how results are interpreted.

What is a cognitive interview?

An interview designed to enhance memory recall through focused retrieval techniques.

What distinguishes a structured interview from an unstructured interview?

Structured interviews have prepared questions, while unstructured interviews allow for more spontaneous discussion.

What is the purpose of the Parenting Stress Index (PSI)?

To measure stress associated with the parental role.

What is a common challenge in determining competency to stand trial?

Assessing a defendant's understanding of the legal proceedings and ability to assist in their defense.

What does the M’Naghten standard pertain to?

The criteria for determining insanity in legal contexts.

What is one risk factor for dangerousness in an individual?

A history of previous attempts to commit violent acts.

How might a psychological report be organized?

It typically includes demographic data, reason for referral, tests administered, findings, recommendations, and a summary.

What is the Barnum effect?

The tendency for individuals to accept vague or general personality descriptions as uniquely applicable to themselves.

How can cultural competence influence psychological assessment?

It helps ensure that assessments are sensitive to diverse backgrounds and tailor approaches to individuals' specific needs.

Why is it important to use multiple assessment tools?

To gather a comprehensive understanding of an individual from various perspectives.

What does 'actuarial assessment' involve?

The application of statistical rules and probabilities in clinical judgment.

What is the significance of the Competency to Stand Trial assessment?

It determines whether a defendant can understand legal proceedings and assist in their defense.

What factors can affect the accuracy of suicide risk assessment?

Previous suicide attempts, current ideation, and social support systems.

What is a common method for assessing financial competency?

The use of standardized tests designed to evaluate financial decision-making abilities.

What is elder abuse defined as in the psychological context?

The intentional infliction of harm on an older individual who meets the statutory age requirement for an elder.

What is the purpose of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI)?

To assess the severity of addiction across multiple problem areas.

How may physical signs of abuse in children manifest during assessments?

As injuries or significant changes in behavior that differ from typical accidents.

What is the focus of forensic psychological assessment?

To provide psychological evaluation and measurement within a legal context.

What does the term 'therapeutic assessment' refer to?

An approach that uses assessment to facilitate therapeutic discussions and outcomes.

In custody evaluations, what is crucial for the assessor to determine?

The best interest of the child in custody proceedings.