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The Role of Psychological Testing in Pre-Surgical Bariatric Evaluations

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Abstract

Psychological testing should play an integral role in the pre-surgical psychological evaluation of bariatric surgery candidates. Generally, such testing involves at least one broad measure of general psychopathology, as well as 2–6 briefer and more specific assessments of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and cognitive functioning as indicated. Ideally completed prior to the clinical interview, testing allows psychologists to identify key areas for further clinical assessment and evaluate the consistency between test and interview data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, USA

    Kasey P. S. Goodpaster PhD (clinical health psychologist)

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  1. Kasey P. S. Goodpaster PhD
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She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from Purdue University 2014 after completing a predoctoral internship in health psychology and neuropsychology at St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in bariatric psychology at the Cleveland Clinic before joining as staff in 2016. She currently serves as a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Integrated Health Clinical Issues and Guidelines Committee.

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Goodpaster, K.P.S. The Role of Psychological Testing in Pre-Surgical Bariatric Evaluations. J Health Serv Psychol 43, 67–73 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03544652

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