Cross Examining Psych Doctors - Tip #44-Psychological Testing Reports

Psychological testing reports are generally written by a psychologist and provide only psychological test results and interpretations that can be used in arriving at conclusions about the patient’s mental status.  Typically, these reports are written at the request of a psychiatrist, who for one reason or another does not feel comfortable or competent to administer and/or interpret the results of psychological testing.  In addition to taking a history, administering a Mental Status Examination and reading the patient’s medical records these psychiatrists refer the patient for testing to provide them with objective information about the patient’s psychological status.  Essentially, it is the responsibility of the psychologist to use valid and reliable tests; administer, score and interpret the tests in a standardized fashion; determine if the patient took the tests in a credible manner; and draw conclusions about the patient consistent with the psychological testing literature published in peer-reviewed journals.  If the psychologist has not done these four things their report is flawed and incapable of providing any meaningful psychological information about the patient. 

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