In psychiatry, the collaboration between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is an extremely important part of diagnosis.
Table of contents:
- Psychological interview
- Interview
- Observation
- Intelligence test
- Personality testing
- Mental function and performance testing
The standard psychiatric examination includes an adequate and detailed history taking with the patient and his/her family, laboratory tests, neurotrauma and psychological tests.
Methods of psychological examination include interview, conversation and observation, as well as the performance of tests assessing intelligence, personality and cognitive function.
Psychological interview
Thepsychological interview is a free diagnostic technique in which there is no predetermined purpose, topic or rules for interpreting the data obtained. The psychologist individually selects questions, sets hypotheses and directs the topic of the interview, as well as taking care of the quality of the contact with the patient. Only after completion does he or she analyse the information gathered and formulate preliminary conclusions.
Interview
Theinterview , like the psychological interview, is one of the free diagnostic techniques, but its nature is somewhat different. The interview with the patient already has a specific purpose and presupposes the acquisition of relevant data, either from the patient or from family, friends or colleagues. During the interview, the emphasis is on disorders, difficulties, illness and problems.
Observation
Observation involves the deliberate identification of observational indicators and inferences about the characteristics or mental states of the individual. Observational indicators include, for example, head shape, figure, facial expression, stereotypical reactions, sweating, accelerated breathing.
Intelligence testing
For the measurement of intellectual performance in psychological practice, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale and the Raven's Matrices Test are used, which consist of specific tasks, a well-characterised testing procedure and ways of recording and evaluating the results.
The Raven Matrix Test is a method of assessing current perceptive and correct thinking abilities. It consists of 12 tasks arranged in increasing order of difficulty; the version of the test depends on age and intellectual level. The Weschler Intelligence Scale also has several versions, separate for children and adults.
Personality testing
Personality testing in clinical practice is used to isolate mental symptoms and explain their mechanisms. For this purpose, personality questionnaires and projective tests are used. A personality questionnaire in its basic form has self-report questions and response options. The results are presented in the form of a profile outlined on the basis of an appropriate scale. The questions and statements reflect behaviours and personality traits that may indicate pathology.
What tests are used in psychiatric treatment, photo: shutterstock
Mental function and performance testing
To assess fitness and mental function, the following tests are used:
- Benton's Visual Memory Test, which tests perception, memory and visual abilities,
- Seachore Rhythms Test, which measures the ability to focus attention,
- The Verbal Fluency Test, which tests attention, concentration, executive function and working memory.
The occurrence of heraldic difficulties and selective disorders as a result of focal brain dysfunction is perfectly illustrated precisely in tests that assess a selected mental performance or function.