Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

When assessing an elderly client for suicide risk, what is the best assessment tool to use?

1. Beck Depression Inventory

2. Patient Health Questionnaire

3. Geriatric Depression Inventory

4. Suicide Risk Assessment Scale

The correct answer is: Geriatric Depression Inventory

The Geriatric Depression Inventory is specifically designed to assess depression in older adults, taking into consideration the unique aspects of their experiences and symptoms. This assessment tool is particularly effective because it provides questions that are more relevant to the elderly population, allowing for a better understanding of their mental health status, which is crucial when evaluating suicide risk. When working with elderly clients, it is essential to use an assessment tool that addresses age-related issues and common comorbidities that may not be captured by assessments designed for younger populations. The Geriatric Depression Inventory helps in identifying depressive symptoms that could be linked to higher suicide risk among this demographic, thereby guiding clinical decision-making and interventions that are appropriate for their specific needs. In contrast, other tools like the Beck Depression Inventory and the Patient Health Questionnaire are primarily aimed at a broader adult population and may not capture the nuances of depression in older adults. While they can still be useful, they may not be as effective as the Geriatric Depression Inventory in this context. The Suicide Risk Assessment Scale could also be beneficial; however, it may not address depressive symptoms in the same depth as the Geriatric Depression Inventory. Assessing and addressing depression is a crucial component of evaluating suicide risk in elderly clients, making the G