What is the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID)?

The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) is a semi-structured interview guide specifically designed to assist clinicians in making accurate diagnoses based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It provides a framework that ensures the interviewer covers all relevant areas of inquiry while still allowing flexibility to explore specific topics in greater depth as necessary. This combination of structure and flexibility helps ensure comprehensive and clinically valid assessments. The SCID is extensively used in both clinical settings and research to create reliable diagnostic assessments.

In contrast to the other options, the SCID is not an unstructured interview, which would lack the consistency and guidelines provided by a structured approach. It also does not focus solely on biological assessments or intelligence measurement, as its primary function is centered around psychiatric diagnoses rather than physical health or cognitive assessments. The design of SCID as a semi-structured tool allows for a thorough exploration of the patient's symptoms and history, which is critical for accurate DSM diagnoses.