Older Adult Psychological Assessment: Current Instrument Status and Related Considerations

The psychological assessment of older adults is often challenging due to the frequent co-morbidity of mental and physical health problems, multiple medications, interactions among medications, age-related sensory and cognitive deficits, and the paucity of assessment instruments with psychometric support for use with older adults. First, psychological assessment instruments for examining five important clinical areas ( suicide ideation, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and personality) are discussed in light of the most current research regarding their psychometric properties and suitability for use with older adults. Instruments developed specifically for older adults are distinguished from instruments developed for younger adults that have some psychometric support for their use with older adults. Second, the potential sensory deficits that could compromise assessment, factors to consider in light of these deficits, and accommodations that can be made to minimize their effects are discussed. doi 10.1080/07317110802072108: [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: docdelivery@haworthpress.com Website: http://www.HaworthPress.com (C) 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.]