Use of the modified WAIS-R with psychiatric inpatients: a caution.

Use of the Modified WAIS-R described by Cella in 1984 with psychiatric inpatients was criticized on several grounds. First, the modification did not accurately identify areas of relative cognitive strength and weakness. An accuracy rate of 49% was considered unacceptable for interpretation of individual profiles, the task the WAIS-RM was originally designed to perform. Second, use of the WAIS-RM does not significantly reduce total administration time. For the majority of 70 psychiatric inpatients, at least 80% of the WAIS-R items would be administered, resulting in saving just fifteen minutes. Finally, an inpatient's confidence and motivation to perform well could be compromised by skipping earlier, easier items. Administration of the full WAIS-R battery is recommended if a discussion of relative strengths and weaknesses is desired.