What types of methods and testing instruments do psychologists use to make a diagnosis? Which ones do you think are most effective?

          Certain methods and testing instruments are critical components of clinical psychology that enable clinical psychologists to effectively diagnosis clients and patients. Psychologists use a variety of methods and testing instruments to make a diagnosis in regard to what is causing the problem or problems that clients and patients are suffering from. Such a diagnosis is a necessity when effectively trying to alleviate the cause of a client's and patient's suffering. Often it is necessary for psychologists to establish a rapport with clients and patients first before using certain methods and testing instruments, because establishing such a rapport can lessen the stress that clients and patients may suffer from when establishing a new client or patient relationship with a psychologist. Such stress can affect the results of certain methods and testing instruments when diagnosing clients and patients. Also, such a rapport may enable a psychologist to determine if a clients or patients are being honest when answering items from testing instruments.

          Such methods and testing instruments that psychologists employ for diagnosis purposes are interviews (structured and not structured), self-monitoring procedures and methods, self-reports such as questionnaires and inventories, behavioral monitoring, surveys, and psychological tests. In regard to my beliefs about the most effective methods and testing instruments, I believe that psychological testing is the most effective means for making a diagnosis of a client or patient. Psychological tests have the potential, if used appropriately to diagnosis clients and patients for assessing or diagnosing various psychological and behavioral disorders and problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other problems such as the root of relationship problems (Plante, 2011).

Reference

Plante, T.G. (2011). Contemporary Clinical Psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.