Structured Clinical Interview for DSM

Structured Clinical Interview for DSM

The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID) is a diagnostic exam used to determine DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnoses. It is a semi-structured interview guide for making major DSM diagnoses. The SCID is administered by a clinician or trained mental health professional who is familiar with the DSM criteria.

Development and Purpose

The SCID was developed to provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to diagnosing mental disorders. It is designed to be used in both clinical and research settings. The interview is structured to cover a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and others.

Structure

The SCID is divided into modules, each corresponding to a category of disorders. The interviewer begins with a general overview and then proceeds to specific modules based on the responses of the interviewee. Each module contains a series of questions that help the interviewer determine whether the criteria for a particular disorder are met.

Versions

There are several versions of the SCID, each tailored to different needs:

• SCID-I for DSM-IV: Focuses on Axis I disorders, which are the clinical syndromes.
• SCID-II: Focuses on Axis II disorders, which are personality disorders.
• SCID-5-CV: The Clinician Version for DSM-5, which is used in clinical settings.
• SCID-5-RV: The Research Version for DSM-5, which is used in research settings.

Administration

The SCID is typically administered in a face-to-face interview format, although there are adaptations for telephone or computer-assisted interviews. The length of the interview can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of disorders being assessed.

Training

Proper training is essential for administering the SCID effectively. Clinicians must be familiar with the DSM criteria and skilled in conducting clinical interviews. Training programs and workshops are available to ensure that interviewers are competent in using the SCID.

Advantages

The SCID provides a systematic approach to diagnosis, which can improve the reliability and validity of psychiatric assessments. It allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's symptoms and can help in formulating a treatment plan.

Limitations

While the SCID is a valuable tool, it requires significant time and resources to administer. It also relies on the interviewer's clinical judgment and the patient's ability to accurately report symptoms.

Related pages

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Clinical psychology
• Psychiatric assessment
• Mental disorder