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1.17: Cognitive and Behavioral Assessments

  • Page ID
    221610
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    Learning Objectives
    • Describe how cognitive and behavioral assessments are used to inform psychotherapy

    Cognitive Assessment

    Elderly woman
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Cognitive assessments are most commonly used as the first type of test to determine if there is a possible neurocognitive deficit, such as a mild neurocognitive disorder (formerly called dementia) or Alzheimer’s disease.

    Cognitive assessments are useful to test for cognitive or neurological impairments—deficiencies in knowledge, thought process, or judgment. Psychiatrists often perform cognitive testing during the mental status exam. However, when cognitive impairment is suspected, the cognitive assessment can obtain a more detailed analysis by surveying the neuropsychological domains. This detailed investigation of cognition can diagnose major cognitive impairment (i.e., dementia) and mild cognitive impairment, evaluate traumatic brain injuries, help determine decision-making capacity, and survey intellectual dysfunction.

    Most clinicians will use an established mental status screening tool such as the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) to determine if cognitive impairment is present. Mental status screens are short, efficient, and well-researched modalities designed to evaluate multiple cognitive domains. A cognitive assessment, along with a good history, physical exam, and appropriate labs and imaging, can establish a diagnosis or decide if further evaluation is necessary.

    Behavioral Assessment

    Behavioral assessment involves the identification and measurement of particular behaviors and the variables affecting their occurrence. In educational, clinical, and organizational settings, accurate assessment is key to developing effective programs of behavior modification or behavior therapy. Direct assessment (observation), self-monitoring, and behavior rating scales are commonly used methods of behavioral assessment.

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