Research on the Clinical Interview

Abstract

Critical examination of data generated by the clinical interview has been kindled by dissatisfaction with unsturctured interviews used for assigning diagnoses. Identification of sources of variance, the use of operational definitions, and the application of measures of reliability and validity to interview research have enhanced the capacity of the clinician to locate deficiencies in the diagnostic interview. Fairly good agreement for diagnosis of psychiatric disorders of adults has been achieved, but remaining variability invites further scrutiny of the effects of categorical versus dimensional approaches, the use of best estimate diagnoses in validity research, and other factors. Practical questions arising for clinicians concern what training in techniques for specific structured interviews is required, whether routine use of standardized instruments is practical, and how structured interviews are related to other clinical measures, such as behavior checklists. Critical examination of data generated by the clinical interview has been kindled by dissatisfaction with unsturctured interviews used for assigning diagnoses. Identification of sources of variance, the use of operational definitions, and the application of measures of reliability and validity to interview research have enhanced the capacity of the clinician to locate deficiencies in the diagnostic interview. Fairly good agreement for diagnosis of psychiatric disorders of adults has been achieved, but remaining variability invites further scrutiny of the effects of categorical versus dimensional approaches, the use of best estimate diagnoses in validity research, and other factors. Practical questions arising for clinicians concern what training in techniques for specific structured interviews is required, whether routine use of standardized instruments is practical, and how structured interviews are related to other clinical measures, such as behavior checklists.