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The Wechsler Memory Scale--Revised (D. Wechsler, 1987) and the Memory Assessment Scales (J. Williams, 1991) were administered to 30 head-injury patients, and results were compared across four dimensions of memory. Results suggest that these scales measure different abilities and are not comparable tests. (SLD)

Psychologists should keep in mind the base rate of symptoms in those prone to litigation and use caution in relying on self-reports as evidence of injury when these people litigate. Personal injury claimants in a survey had more neurotoxic and neuropsychologic complaints than subjects with head trauma or toxic exposure in their medical histories.

Untrained examinees in psychological tests can correctly endorse symptoms and experiences to meet the DSM-III-R criteria for diagnosing major depression, generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD. There is a need to exercise caution while evaluating self-reported symptoms in forensic cases and cases that involve compensation. Examiners should use methods that reduce the susceptibility to suggestion.

Participants in a November 1991 workshop concluded that coordinated strategies for controlling malnutrition due to iodine, iron, vitamin A and other micronutrients deficiencies are technically feasible and should be given consideration in planning control efforts. Coordinated surveys involving clinical, biochemical and dietary assessment of multiple micronutrients are feasible. Multiple fortification is also possible using such vehicles as salt, processed rice or sugar. Supplementation efforts can be integrated with existing health care programs. Food-based strategies are also effective. The best examples have been community-based and have included a strong nutrition and health education component designed to change food consumption patterns, improve food preservation and preparation practices, and link income-generating activities with food production activities. Successful coordinated efforts will require a strong political commitment and a supportive infrastructure. Specific recommendations include the formation of national coordinating bodies for micronutrient deficiency control, establishment of a micronutrient information network and expansion of technical exchange and training. J. Nutr. 123: 775-787, 1993.

The frequency with which various psychological tests are administered in forensic evaluations was assessed. Data was gathered from reports of adult personal injury evaluations by 100 examiners identified as experts in neuropsychology. A rank ordering of tests from most to least used by examiners was created. For example, the most frequently used tests were the WAIS-R, MMPI, WMS-R, Trails A & B, Finger Oscillation Test, Bender-Gestalt, Category Test, and Wisconsin Card-Sorting Test. Selected comparisons were made of test ranking from earlier surveys. Implications of findings for examiners and expert witnesses are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]