Discussion Post: The Psychiatric Evaluation & Evidence-Based Rating Scales
Assessment tools have two primary purposes:
• to measure illness and diagnose clients, and
• to measure a client's response to treatment.
Often, you will find that multiple assessment tools are designed to measure the same condition or response. Not all tools, however, are appropriate for use in all clinical situations. You must consider the strengths and weaknesses of each tool to select the appropriate assessment tool for your client. For this Discussion, as you examine the assessment tool assigned to you by the Course Instructor, consider its use in psychotherapy.
Rating scale assigned:
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A)
Instructions:
• Post a brief explanation of three important components of the psychiatric interview and why you consider these elements important.
• Explain the psychometric properties of the rating scale you were assigned. (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A))
• Explain when it is appropriate to use this rating scale with clients during the psychiatric interview and how the scale is helpful to a nurse practitioner's psychiatric assessment.
• Support your approach with at least 5 evidence-based literature.
The response should include a reference list. One-inch margins, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.