The primary psychometric concepts regarding psychological assessment of older adults include the topics of reliability, validity, standardization, and norms. However, whereas the DSM-IV has separate sections for childhood and adult disorders, there is no specific section on, or criteria for, mental disorders in later life. The primary diagnostic guide for mental health professionals is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV 1994), which includes specified criteria for several hundred mental disorders and encourages a full multiaxial diagnosis, including information on clinical disorders, personality disorders, medical conditions, psychosocial stressors, and a global assessment of functioning. Overview of diagnosis and psychometric concepts in assessmentĭiagnosis. Traditional assessment strategies require some modification for older persons, given their often complex problems, unique socialization and life circumstances, and frequent comorbid health problems. In clinical settings, the purposes of assessment are to find out what kinds of problems an older person is experiencing, to clarify personality features, to identify psychiatric disorders, to develop case conceptualization and intervention plans, and to evaluate effects of treatment.
In general, psychological assessment techniques are designed to evaluate a person's cognitive, emotional, social, and personality functioning. Thorough evaluation of the psychological status of an older person is an important but oftentimes complex and daunting process, even for experienced clinicians. Assessment pervades nearly every aspect of psychological or psychotherapeutic work with older adults.
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