Validation of a DIS-III-R rescoring algorithm for DSM-IV alcohol-use disorders

Abstract

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 refl ect DSM-IV diagnoses established independently using the CIDI?" Method: One hundred subjects were administered the CIDI and the DISIII-R alcohol-use modules. The DIS-III-R criteria were rescored to the DSM-IV diagnosis using our published algorithm. The specifi city 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.