7 Reliable tools for mental assessment
The assessment tools used by psychologists and therapists are a cornerstone of their work. Psychologists and therapists rely on these assessments to make decisions about their client’s mental health. In addition, they help psychologists and therapists better understand their client’s situations, goals, and thoughts to design individualized treatment plans that address each person’s unique needs and preferences.
This article aims to provide you with a brief overview of some common mental health assessments and inform you about why they may be used in certain situations.
Tools for mental assessment
Below are the top 7 reliable tools for mental assessment.
1. Dissociation – Brief Dissociative Experiences Scale
The Brief Dissociative Experiences Scale is a valid test to assess the presence of dissociation. The scale includes eight items that consider how a client has experienced various dissociative symptoms over the past week. By administering this brief scale, therapists can gain insight into a person’s level of dissociation.
2. Misophonia – Amsterdam Misophonia Scale
The Amsterdam Misophonia Scale (Schröder, Vulink, & Denys, 2013) is a six-item self-report measure of misophonia that has been shown to have internal consistency and construct validity. The AMS was developed as a screening measure to assess the severity of misophonia in patients referred for psychiatric treatment.
3. Intolerance of Uncertainty – Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale Short Form
The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUAS) is a 12-item self-report questionnaire that assesses how individuals are bothered by or feel threatened by uncertainty. This measure was developed for use with patients with OCD but has also been successfully used in other populations, such as people with panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
4. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)
The GHQ is a commonly-used tool for identifying the general population’s psychological distress and mental health problems. This is a 12-item questionnaire for adults and adolescents that can be used to help spot symptoms of anxiety or depression compared with how you would usually feel.
5. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)
The GAD-7 is a brief, 7-item self-report questionnaire for adults aged 18 years or older with GAD. Overall severity and three additional aspects of GAD (trouble relaxing, concerns about performance, tension) are assessed by this screening measure. Consisting of seven items that aggregate into three subscales, it takes about five minutes to complete and is suitable for clinical and non-clinical populations.
6. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
ISI is a short tool that can be used to measure sleep disturbance. The ISI is efficient and easy to administer, requiring a single 5-10 minute interview with the respondent. To get an accurate measurement of the severity of insomnia, it is recommended that you use this tool first thing on Monday morning and after all significant weekend holidays.
7. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a standardised and validated screening tool for depression that is easy to complete, reliable, valid, and responsive to change. The PHQ-9 is based on the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). The questionnaire is designed for use in clinical and community settings and has been explicitly validated with outpatients, primary care patients, and the general population.
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Read More:
*Benefits of psychological testing for kids.
*Types of psychological assessments.
