Serial 7s Task - Cross-Examining Psych Doctors, Tip #116

     A Mental Status Examination produces a set of observations of the patient, which are made by the doctor, under reasonably controlled conditions, employing a relatively standard set of examining techniques and questions.  Measuring and reporting on observational data of the patient’s functioning in the area of concentration is typically part of every Mental Status Examination report.  For example, one measure of concentration is to ask an individual to count backwards from 100 by 7s.  This is known as a serial 7s task.  The patient’s performance on this task is a measure of their concentration and, when administered by the doctor, the doctor’s observations of the patient’s performance should be described in their report of their Mental Status Examination.