In a competent risk assessment, psychologists are required to assess the potential of dangerous behavior. Psychological assessments are used as tools that enable the psychologists to make an informed decision about the client’s diagnosis and treatment plan (Weinger, 2001). Thus, there is specific information that must be gathered in an ongoing risk assessment of a patient. First, the psychologist must identify if the patient has a history with being violent towards those around them. When a psychologist is assessing the risk for violence it is pertinent to assess past violent behavior – since it acts as a reliable predictor of future violent activities (Shaw, 2000).
Secondly, the psychologist must examine the patient to find out whether they are aware of their aggressive behavior and if they are interested in managing the behavior. This information assists in designing an intervention plan that will enable the client to control their impulses and respond to situations in a better way. Thirdly, it is important to assess whether the client displays physical or mental signs of agitation and losing control. If patient displays signs of agitation and restlessness the psychologist can utilize this information to determine the client’s mental state (Sander et al., 2000). Fourth, the psychologist must inquire if the client experiences certain levels of distress, by identifying the current stressors and support system in a person’s life as well as evaluating the client’s personality.
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Hypothetical Situation 1
As a clinician when assessing a patient, I will begin by asking them in a neutral manner if they have harmed anyone in the recent past or have threatened to harm someone. If the response is yes, I will follow up by asking the client to explain the seriousness of the threat or the act, the context of the situation and the extent of harm caused. As the client responds to each of these questions I will be assessing their behaviors to determine if they take personal responsibilities for their actions. If the patient does not have a history of violent behavior I will ask them if they have had thoughts of harming themselves or others. This question will assist me in evaluating whether the client recognizes if they have an anger management problem, which will make it easier to introduce an intervention plan that will assist a patient to control their emotions and responses. If a client displays signs of physical or mental agitation I will ask them to explain the situation or factors that cause them to be agitated or make them stressed. Using the information gathered as a clinician, I will identify whether the client is at risk of harming themselves or others. Consequently, I will propose an appropriate treatment approach.
Hypothetical Situation 2
Risk assessment is essential in determining the mental state of a patient and recommending effective intervention strategies. From the risk assessment that I conducted it is evident that the primary objective of a risk assessment is to examine the risk of danger and potential of violence in a client. Thus, through risk assessment, clinicians learn of appropriate ways they can treat their patients without triggering or misdiagnosing the symptoms that they present. Furthermore, a risks assessment is a preventive measure for both the client and clinician as it predicts the patient’s future behavior. A clinician can use the information gathered from the evaluation to make informed decision about patient diagnosis.
References
Sanders, J., Milne, S., Brown, P. & Bell, A. J. (2000). Assessment of aggression in psychiatric patients. BMJ ; 320:1112.
Shaw J. (2000). Assessing the risk of violence in patients. BMJ (Clinical research ed.) , 320 (7242), 1088–1089. doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7242.1088
Weinger, S. (2001). Security Risk: Preventing Client Violence Against Social Workers. Washington DC: NASW Press.
