Lecture 9 - Clinical Psychology - EBP part 2 Flashcards
When psychologists initially meet clients they engage in clinical assessment.
What does this entail?
This allows the clinician to better understand what the presenting problem is and how it may have come about. This will inform treatment.
It involves identifying any clinical disorders, such as personality disorders.
Taking a case history and understanding early childhood.
Getting an insight into client medical conditions or history of medical conditions within the family.
Get an understanding of their current living and social factors, such as who do they live with?
Their functioning. Do they feel they can function in the way they would like to function, such as being able to meet their carer responsibilities.
What are some forms of psychological assessment?
Diagnostic and non-diagnositc questionnaires, such as the WAIS or DASS 21.
Can involve interviews, such as a structured interview like the SCID, or a clinical interview.
Behavioural observations, such as the ADOS, which involves a child and clinician engaging in play and another clinician scoring this play. A way that autism can be identified in children.
Clinical assessment tends to go for the first few sessions, but continues throughout treatment.
What are some other important reasons that good assessment is required before treatments are selected and applied?
Understanding to specific challenges and protective factors that are at play in an individual’s life.
e.g. social support? isolation?
SES, access to sufficient finances?
What are the benefits of diagnosing?
Diagnoses inform treatment.
They also can be very beneficial to clients, as it can help them understand their experience and often reduces negative self-talk or perception.
Diagnoses may also help individuals to access funding and treatments.
What is the importance of formulation?
Develop and share with client your understanding of why this diagnosis/experience and why now.
This helps client to understand what is happening and helps client to feel understood by the clinician.
It is part of building good rapport with client.
What is one of the common formulations used?
Biopsychosocial 4 P’s formula.
When engaging in psychological work with a client, there are a few things to consider.
Being on the same page as the other members in the team who are supporting client at the moment, such as GP.
What social network does the client have?
What are the client’s goals?
