WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS OF A
GOOD PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING
REPORT
ON
AN
OLDER
ADULT?
American Psychological Association
Table of Contents
Why Practitioners Need Information
- The psychologist should integrate psychological findings with relevant social and medical variables. The report should document both weaknesses and strengths.
- The report should include the aging/cohort/cultural variables that may have affected test scores, including language barriers, low educational attainment, sensory/physical limitations, and the client's values.
- Recommendations should be geared to enhance or maintain the older client's cognitive and psychological well-being and independence.
- Referrals should be made to other professionals as needed, for example, to neuropsychologists for specialized cognitive testing; to mental health professionals for individual/family/group psychotherapeutic interventions; to psychiatrists for consultation on psychotropic medication; to medical internists, geriatricians, or other health care providers for assessment of physical health problems; and to social service workers for assistance with financial and community resources.
- Re-testing may be recommended for older adults, particularly if there is variability in test scores or when an acute medical condition is suspected of affecting test results.
- The assessment of psychological problems of older adults requires attention to a variety of complex biopsychosocial factors. Clear and timely communication of test findings and recommendations to all treatment team members, family caregivers, and especially to the older person is essential.
