ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on tests aimed at measuring psychopathology or impaired psychological functioning. Three general classes of tests are considered: structured psychiatric interviews, personality tests, and tests measuring one, a few, or multiple psychopathological symptoms. The chapter devotes to the literature on the use of psychometric tests in functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. It includes descriptions and evaluations of a variety of psychometric tests that have been used or are recommended for use with patients with functional GI disorders. The chapter provides descriptions and evaluations of the most commonly used assessment devices for personality assessment, scales for evaluation of either single or multiple categories of psychiatric symptoms, and scales for various other psychological constructs that may aid the physician in an understanding of psychological issues in the patient. High-scoring individuals on the extroversion scale tend to be outgoing, impulsive, uninhibited, optimistic, aggressive, and free with their feelings, and to have many social contacts.
