Which client is contraindicated for further evaluation using the Impact of Event Scale—Revised (IES-R)?

The Impact of Event Scale—Revised (IES-R) is primarily designed to assess the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the psychological impact of traumatic events. It consists of self-report items that focus on intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal symptoms.

A client with Alzheimer's disease may have cognitive impairments that affect their ability to understand and respond to the scale accurately. Since the IES-R relies on self-reporting, those with significant cognitive decline might struggle to comprehend the questions or reflect on their experiences, leading to invalid results. This makes them unsuitable candidates for this particular evaluation, as their ability to provide reliable self-assessments is compromised.

In contrast, clients with PTSD, schizophrenia, or those recovering from substance abuse may still possess the cognitive and emotional capacity to engage meaningfully with the questions on the IES-R, making these populations more appropriate for further evaluation using this tool.