Module 7 Intro to Assessment, Specific Tests, and Risk Assessment

Psychological Assessment

Aims to evaluate an individual in a problem situation by integrating data, with a focus on problem solving and decision making

Psychological Tests

Used to conduct measurement of a sample of traits, attributes, or behaviours

Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)

Contains three subscales: depression, anxiety, stress. Measures symptom severity: normal, mild, moderate, severe, extremely severe

DASS-10

Has two subscales: anxiety-stress and depression, and overall stress. Measures symptom severity: mild/subclinical, moderate, severe

Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS)

Assesses generalised anxiety, panic/agoraphobia, social phobia, separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, physical injury fears

Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC)

Measures depressed affect, somatic symptoms, positive affect, and interpersonal problems

Cognitive tests

looks at performance validity (eg intelligence, language, memory)

non-cognitive tests

looks at symptom validity (eg emotion, behaviour, and personality)

risk assessment protocols

systematic processes for identifying, analysing, and mitigating risk, including suicide

parasuicide

apparent attempted suicide or suicidal behaviour without the actual intent to end ones life