A psychiatrist orders a series of tests including an IQ test, personality inventory (MMPI), neuropsychological test (Halstead-Reitan), and a brain scan (CT scan) for a 10-year-old boy who has recently been acting aggressively. Explain what each test measures and how the psychiatrist would use the results of each test to help diagnose or rule out potential causes of the boy's behavior

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

An IQ test measures abilities such as memory, reasoning, and verbal comprehension. An IQ score significantly higher than average means the person has a significantly greater than average chance of doing well in our educational system. By contrast, a score significantly lower than average suggests the person will probably not do well in school. This test would give some indication regarding the boy's ability to meet with success in school. If there are academic problems, aggressive behavior could be a result.
The Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery includes the Rhythm Test (which asks the person to compare rhythmic beats, thus testing sound recognition, attention, and concentration), the Strength of Grip Test (which compares the grips of the right and left hands), and the Tactile Performance Test (which requires the test taker to place wooden blocks in a form board while blindfolded, thus testing learning and memory skills) (McCaffrey, Lynch, & Westervelt, in press). Research on the validity of neuropsychological tests suggests they may be useful for detecting organic damage. Research found that the Halstead-Reitan test battery was able to detect organic damage and was about 80 percent correct. Certainly, organic damage, such as a tumor or lesion, could account for aggressive behavior.
CT scans are particularly useful in locating brain tumors, injuries, and other structural and anatomical abnormalities. Again, if a brain structure is damaged, this may contribute to aggressive behavior.
Individual responses on the MMPI are not examined; instead, the pattern of responses is reviewed to see whether it resembles patterns from groups of people who have specific disorders. The MMPI includes additional scales that determine the validity of each administration. The youngster's profile would be examined to see if he has personality characteristics that would contribute to his aggressive behavior.