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Validation of a DIS-III-R Rescoring Algorithm for DSM-IV Alcohol-Use Disorders
Garnett P. McMillan, Sandra Lapham, Janet C'de Baca
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, Version III, Revised (DIS-III-R), rescoring algorithm when compared with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), diagnoses established using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The research question is "Does our DIS-III-R rescore accurately reflect DSM-IV diagnoses established independently using the CIDI?" Method: One hundred subjects were administered the CIDI and the DIS-III-R alcohol-use modules. The DIS-III-R criteria were rescored to the DSM-IV diagnosis using our published algorithm. The specificity of the rescore, along with the sensitivity for abuse and dependence diagnoses, was computed. Results: The rescoring algorithm showed good sensitivity for lifetime alcohol abuse (60.4%) and dependence (80.0%) but poor specificity (0.0%). Current alcohol dependence was diagnosed with high sensitivity (100.0%) and moderate specificity (40.2%). Current alcohol abuse was diagnosed with poor sensitivity (18.2%). Conclusions: Our algorithm can be used to rescore DIS-III-R data to DSM-IV alcohol-use diagnoses, but one must use caution with respect to the timeframe of alcohol-use disorders and the specific diagnosis. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 70: 143-146, 2009)
