Psychiatric evaluation for adults
Clinical psychology assessments such as those offered by Dr McKiernan differ from psychiatric evaluation. Whereas the latter aim to describe emotional, behavioral, physical and psychological symptoms using medical language, clinical psychology assessments use evidence-based psychological theories to make sense of data from an array of sources, such as clinical interview, observation and standardised testing (see images below). Using reliable and valid measures of PTSD, for example, the addition of standardised testing allows for a quantitative measure of levels of trauma / distress / dysfunction (e.g., Low, Moderate, High). Standardised testing is also used to assess other factors that may be relevant, such personality, and the impact of injury on quality of life.