Assessment tools

Psychological assessments are tools used by clinicians to evaluate an individual’s mental health, cognitive abilities, personality traits, and overall psychological functioning.

Key Psychological Assessment Tools

These assessments aid in diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding the underlying issues an individual may be facing. They are typically selected based on the person’s presenting concerns, background, and specific needs.

Cognitive & Neuropsychological Assessments

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV): A widely used test to measure adult intelligence, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V): Similar to the WAIS but adapted for children aged 6 to 16.
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): A brief assessment used to screen for cognitive impairment, commonly employed in older adults.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A quick screening tool for mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Personality Assessments

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2): One of the most widely used and researched personality tests, assessing a broad range of psychological conditions and personality traits.
Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-IV): Used to assess personality disorders and clinical syndromes.
Five-Factor Model Inventories (e.g., NEO-PI-3): Measures five major dimensions of personality—Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
Rorschach Inkblot Test: A projective test used to uncover unconscious aspects of personality and emotional functioning.
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Another projective test that explores a person’s underlying emotions, drives, and conflicts.

Behavioral & Symptom Assessments

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II): A self-report measure used to assess the severity of depression symptoms.
Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D): A clinician-rated scale for measuring the severity of depressive symptoms.
Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI): Measures the severity of anxiety symptoms.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7): A brief screening tool for generalized anxiety disorder.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): A self-report measure used to screen for depression.

Trauma & PTSD Assessments

Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5): The gold standard for assessing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): A self-report measure used to assess PTSD symptoms.
Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI-2): Assesses trauma-related symptoms, such as dissociation, anger, anxiety, and depression.

Developmental & Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2): A semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction, and play for individuals suspected of having autism.
Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): A comprehensive interview used with caregivers to assess autism symptoms.
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Vineland-3): Measures adaptive behaviours like communication, daily living skills, and socialization in individuals from birth to adulthood.

Addiction & Substance Use Assessments

Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): A widely used screening tool to assess alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems.
Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10): Assesses drug use behaviors and related problems.
Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI): Identifies individuals with a high probability of having a substance use disorder.

Attention & Executive Functioning Assessments

Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS): A self-report and observer-rated scale to assess ADHD symptoms in adults.
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2): Evaluates executive functions in children and adolescents through parent and teacher reports.
Continuous Performance Test (CPT): Assesses attention and impulse control, often used in diagnosing ADHD.

Relationship & Family Assessments

Family Environment Scale (FES): Assesses the social-environmental characteristics of families.
Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS): Measures marital quality and satisfaction.