Validation of a DIS-III-R Rescoring Algorithm for DSM-IV Alcohol-Use Disorders.
J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 70: 143-146, 2009


The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, Version III, Revised (DIS-IIIR), 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?"

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%).

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.



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