FAQ

The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) is a semi-structured interview guide for making the major DSM-5 diagnoses (formerly diagnosed on Axis I). It is administered by a clinician or trained mental health professional who is familiar with the DSM-5 classification and diagnostic criteria. The interview subjects may be either psychiatric or general medical patients—or individuals who do not identify themselves as patients, such as participants in a community survey of mental illness or family members of psychiatric patients.

Three different versions of the SCID-5 are available for diagnosing the major DSM-5 diagnoses:

• Research Version (SCID-5-RV)
• Clinician Version (SCID-5-CV)
• Clinical Trials Version (SCID-5-CT)

Two SCID-5 versions are available to assess the ten categorical DSM-5 personality disorders and those found in DSM-5 Section III, Emerging Measures and Models:  

• Personality Disorders (SCID-5-PD)
• Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (SCID-5-AMPD)

SCID-5-RV (Research Version):

The Research Version (SCID-5-RV) is the most comprehensive SCID version and contains more disorders than the Clinician Version or the Clinical Trials Version. It also includes all of the relevant DSM-5 subtypes, severity and course specifiers.

The SCID-5-RV is available in two configurations:

A standard “core” configuration that includes those disorders most researchers are likely to assess routinely for most studies. Access a list of disorders covered in the core SCID-5-RV.

An “enhanced” configuration that includes the assessment of a number of optional disorders, in addition to the disorders from the core configuration. Access a list of disorders covered in the enhanced SCID-5-RV.

To facilitate customization, the SCID-5-RV is not published as a bound volume but instead is available by permission and provided as either non-modifiable PDF files, which can be printed out by the researcher, or modifiable Microsoft Word documents to meet the needs of a particular study, the modifiable version allows removal of unneeded elements (e.g., certain specifiers), alteration of the flow through the interview, or inclusion of additional scales (e.g., severity rating scales) of the researcher’s choosing.

SCID-5-CV (Clinician Version):

The Clinician Version (SCID-5-CV) is published as a bound booklet and is an abridged and reformatted version of the SCID-5-RV for use by clinicians.  It covers the diagnoses most commonly seen in clinical settings (Access a list of disorders covered in the SCID-5-CV). Despite the “clinician” designation, the SCID-5-CV can be used in research settings as long as the disorders of particular interest to the researcher are among those included in the SCID-CV.

The SCID-5-CV differs from the SCID-5-RV in several ways. Access a summary of differences between the SCID-5-CV and SCID-RV. First, the specifiers included in the SCID-5-CV are limited to those few that have an impact on the diagnostic coding. For example, only the severity, psychosis, and remission specifiers for Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are included in the SCID-5-CV since they affect the choice of diagnostic code. Second, the full criteria set for several disorders (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa, Hoarding Disorder, etc.) included in the SCID-5-RV do not appear in the SCID-5-CV. Screening questions for those disorders have been provided instead.

If a subject answers a screening question in the affirmative and the clinician wishes to determine whether that diagnosis is present, the clinician must follow up with an unstructured clinical assessment of the diagnostic requirements for that disorder. To facilitate this process, the SCID-5-CV includes the DSM-5 page numbers for the corresponding criteria sets, and the User’s Guide reprints the DSM-5 criteria sets for the screened disorders. Finally, although most disorders in the SCID-5-RV are assessed for both current and lifetime time frames, the SCID-5-CV focuses largely on whether criteria are currently met since the current clinical status of a disorder is most relevant for treatment decisions. The only disorders in the SCID-5-CV that also include a lifetime assessment are: Bipolar I and II Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and the other psychotic disorders.

SCID-5-CT (Clinical Trials Version):

The Clinical Trials Version (SCID-5-CT) is an adaptation of the SCID-5-RV that has been reformatted, streamlined, and optimized for use in clinical trials that incorporate typical inclusion and exclusion criteria. There are two options available for those interested in using the SCID-5-CT.

The first option is a uniquely customized version that conforms to the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria of a particular protocol. There is an additional customization fee for the contents of the SCID-5-CT to be uniquely tailored.

Alternatively, SCID-5-CT templates are available for several typical inclusion/exclusion criteria for various protocol designs.   Specifically, SCID-5-CT templates are available for clinical trials with the following diagnostic inclusions: Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia/Schizophreniform/ Schizoaffective Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder, Acute Mania in Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar Depression, and ADHD. An additional “exclusionary” SCID-5-CT is also available for studies in which the SCID-5-CT is used primarily to exclude individuals that have disorders listed in the exclusion criteria for the study (e.g., for diagnostic indications not included in the SCID-5-RV, like Major Neurocognitive Disorder). Access a list of SCID-5-CT templates for various diagnostic indications.  Each of the templates can be customized by the user.  However if the template does not include evaluation of a particular disorder of interest (i.e., in either the inclusion or exclusion criteria), it is recommended that the user select the customized option so that this additional criteria can be incorporated into the SCID-5-CT.

For customization requests, a SCID-5-CT license must first be granted by and fully paid to the American Psychiatric Association Publishing.  A separate customization fee is paid to Columbia University, Biometrics Research, Psychiatry.  To process a SCID-5-CT customization request.

SCID-5-PD (Personality Disorders Version):

The Personality Disorders Version (SCID-5-PD) is used to evaluate the ten DSM-5 Personality Disorders. The SCID-5-PD name reflects the elimination of the multiaxial system in DSM-5. Although the DSM-IV Personality Disorder criteria are unchanged in DSM-5, the SCID-5-PD interview questions have been thoroughly reviewed and revised to optimally capture the construct embodied in the diagnostic criteria.

An optional self-report patient questionnaire for the SCID-5-PD is also included (SCID-5-SPQ). Designed to shorten the administration time of the SCID-5-PD, the SCID-5-SPQ is a screening tool with corresponding questions that allows for any “No” responses to be bypassed in the SCID-5-PD clinical interview.

SCID-5-AMPD (Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Version):

The Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Version (SCID-5-AMPD) is a semi-structured diagnostic interview that guides assessment of the defining DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders components, which provides dimensional and categorical approaches to personality disorder diagnosis. Designed for trained clinicians with a basic knowledge of the concepts of personality and personality psychopathology, the modular format of the SCID-5-AMPD allows the researcher or clinician to focus on those aspects of the Alternative Model of most interest. Each component is available individually or in customized sets:

• Module I is devoted to the dimensional assessment of self and interpersonal functioning using the Level of Personality Functioning Scale. It provides both a global functioning score and an innovative, detailed assessment of each domain of functioning.
• Module II focuses on the dimensional assessment of the five pathological personality trait domains in the Alternative Model and their corresponding 25 trait facets. It provides an assessment of the balance of these specific pathological traits within an individual.
• Module III is a comprehensive assessment of each of the six specific personality disorders of the Alternative Model, as well as Personality Disorder–Trait-Specified. It also includes a global assessment of the level of personality functioning.

Yes, currently there are two electronic SCID-5 products available.

NetSCID-5

The NetSCID-5 products are the first web-based, fully computerized versions of the SCID-5 instruments.  TeleSage Inc. has developed and validated an online format of the Research, Clinician, and Personality Disorders versions of the SCID-5 in consultation with the SCID-5 authors. The NetSCID-5 products follow the text, branching and calculations of the SCID-5 instruments and offer complete data parity. Data is immediately stored on HIPAA-compliant geo-redundant databases and can be downloaded in report form or as raw data and imported into any statistical package. The NetSCID-5 products are easily accessible through any internet-connected device. A free webinar demonstration is available through TeleSage Inc.

Contact information: TeleSage, Inc., Phone 866-942-8849, Fax 919-942-0036, Email netscid@telesage.com.  Access TeleSage's website.

eInterview

Sunilion Software's eInterview for SCID-5-RV is a desktop software designed to run on most Windows-based devices. The eInterview is a platform that allows users to design their own interviews or download professionally designed interviews, such as the SCID-5-RV, licensed by the APA. To download a free trial of the software platform, contact Sunilion.

Contact information: Sunilion Software, Email sales@sunilionsoftware.com.  Access Sunilon's website.

In addition to assessment of current psychiatric patients, the SCID-5 has been used to assess lifetime psychiatric diagnoses in medical patients, family members, community samples, college students, the homeless, the elderly, and in short, any adult who is able to participate in the interview. If the SCID-5 is being administered to an individual who does not self-identify as a psychiatric patient, (e.g., medical patients or subjects in a community study), the Non-Patient Version of the Overview in the SCID-5-RV edition should be used.

Although the vast majority of SCID studies have been administered with adults, some investigators have successfully administered the SCID to adolescents. A SCID-5 version specifically tailored for children and adolescents is currently under development.

While it is often not possible to administer the SCID-5 interview to subjects who have moderate or severe intellectual disability or who are otherwise too cognitively impaired to answer the questions, or to subjects who are too medically or psychiatrically ill to participate in an interview, the SCID-5 can still be used as a tool for gathering and documenting diagnostic information obtained from other sources (e.g., informants, previous records) with the application of the DSM-5 diagnostic algorithms.

The language and diagnostic coverage make the SCID-5 most appropriate for use with adults (age 18 and over). With slight modification to the wording of the questions, the SCID-5 may be administered to adolescents. Plans are underway to develop a SCID-5 version specifically tailored for children and adolescents, which will include self and parent/guardian reporting features.

Yes, the SCID-5 products originally developed in English have been translated by different international publishers, and many, but not all, of the SCID-5 versions are available in languages other than English. Access a list of the language translations of specific SCID-5 versions (SCID-5-RV, SCID-5-CV, SCID-5-PD, SCID-5-AMPD) available. Individuals who are interested in obtaining product or order information are to contact the selected foreign translation publisher directly.

Publishers who wish to obtain information about translating the SCID-5 products in a language not already included on the SCID-5 Translations list should email the American Psychiatric Association Publishing’s foreign translations agent, John Scott & Co.: rights@johnscottco.us.

The SCID-5 is designed to be administered by mental health professionals or researchers who have been clinically trained. There is no minimum degree requirement—the amount of clinical experience is the more crucial requirement. Ideally, SCID-5 users should have had sufficient clinical experience to be able to perform unstructured diagnostic evaluation. However, nonclinicians who have comprehensive diagnostic experience with a particular study population may be trained to administer the SCID-5. Generally additional training is required for individuals with less clinical experience.

The SCID-5 administration time varies significantly based on a number of factors. These factors include the SCID-5 version to be used (e.g., core vs. enhanced SCID-5-RV; SCID-5-RV vs. SCID-5-CV vs. SCID-5-CT), the number of disorders being assessed, the diagnostic complexity of the subject, the subject’s ability or lack thereof to succinctly describe his or her history and symptoms, and the user’s level of familiarity and experience with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and the SCID-5 instrument selected. With this in mind, the following is a general range of administration times for each SCID-5 version. Subjects with complex psychopathology, diagnostic comorbidity, and who are difficult to interview may take longer than the maximum administration times listed below.

SCID-5-RV Core Version: 45-120 minutes

SCID-5-RV Enhanced Version:  45-180 minutes

SCID-5-CV:  30-120 minutes

SCID-5-CT:  30-75 minutes

SCID-5-PD or SCID-5-AMPD: 30-120 minutes

The process to order the SCID-5 instrument differs by version and may require a permission fee based on type of use (e.g., noncommercial, funded research or pharmaceutical trial). 

SCID-5-RV (Research Version)

Distributed as non-modifiable PDF files or modifiable Microsoft Word files by American Psychiatric Association Publishing and available by permission only.  Order SCID-5-RV

SCID-5-CV (Clinician Version)

Available for purchase at the American Psychiatric Association Publishing web site (permission is not required).  User’s Guide and packets of 5 SCID-CV interviews sold separately or as a set.  Order SCID-5-CV

SCID-5-CT (Clinical Trials version)

Distributed by American Psychiatric Association Publishing as non-modifiable PDF or modifiable MS-Word file templates are available by permission only.  The permission fee is based on the intended use and number of expected subjects in a clinical trial protocol.  The SCID-5-CT templates are designed to be uniquely tailored and can be modified by the purchaser or for an additional customization fee, the SCID-5-CT can be uniquely tailored to conform to the specific diagnostic inclusion and exclusion criteria.  Order SCID-5-CT

SCID-5-PD (Personality Disorders Version)

Available for purchase at the American Psychiatric Association Publishing web site (permission is not required).  Package of five bound interviews plus the SCID-5-SPQ, a self-screening tool, and User’s Guide sold separately or as a set. Order SCID-5-PD

SCID-5-AMPD (Alternative Model of Personality Disorders Version)

Available for purchase at the American Psychiatric Association Publishing web site (permission is not required).  Package of five bound interviews for each module (Module I: Structured Clinical Interview for the Level of Personality Functioning Scale, Module II: Structured Clinical Interview for Personality Traits, and Module III: Structured Clinical Interview for Personality Disorders) and User’s guide either sold separately or customized sets available of User’s Guide and one module or two modules of customer’s choice in packages of five. Order SCID-5-AMPD

NetSCID-5

Version: Web-based format can be configured to administer the SCID-5
User's Guide and Other Information: View NetSCID Press Release
Format: Web-based
Available Exclusively: TeleSage, Inc., Phone 866-942-8849, Fax 919-942-0036, Email netscid@telesage.com, Website: www.telesage.com

eInterview

Version: Research
User's Guide and Other Information: User’s Guide is available
Format: Desktop Software
Available Exclusively: Sunilion Software, Email sales@sunilionsoftware.com, Website: www.sunilionsoftware.com

When used to help guide the evaluation of non-personality disorders in clinical or forensic settings, or for training purposes (i.e., to improve diagnostic interviewing skills), the SCID-5-CV is the recommended version.

When the SCID-5 is being used for research purposes, the recommended version depends on the diagnostic needs of the research study. The various versions of the SCID-5 differ both in terms of which diagnoses, specifiers and subtypes are covered, and the assessment time frames (i.e., current vs. lifetime).

Given its superior ease of use, if the range of diagnoses covered in the SCID-5-CV and the absence of lifetime assessments for many of the disorders is sufficient for a particular research study, we generally recommend the SCID-5-CV. If not, (for instance because a non-patient version of the Overview is needed or the assessment of certain disorders of interest has been omitted from the SCID-5-CV such as Eating Disorders, then the SCID-5-RV is recommended. Given that customizability is another primary difference between the SCID-5-RV and SCID-5-CV, if the study requirements include making modifications such as omitting certain disorders, changing the order in which disorders are assessed or altering diagnostic time frames, the SCID-5-RV is the only instrument that allows for such customization.

The SCID-5-CT is used in a research context to confirm whether subjects meet the diagnostic inclusion or exclusion criteria of a protocol. Most often the SCID-5-CT is used by pharmaceutical companies in clinical trials. The major advantage of the SCID-5-CT over the other SCID-5 versions is that its lean, streamlined format only includes those sections that are relevant to a specific protocol, thereby reducing administration time. Because the SCID-5-CT must be tailored to the primary inclusion criteria of the study, customization can be done by using one of the available SCID-5-CT templates (which requires that the purchaser modify the SCID-5-CT to fit the actual inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study protocol) or by making a request for customization based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the protocol.

The SCID-5-PD is for evaluation of the categorical DSM-5 classification of Personality Disorders. 

The SCID-5-AMPD is for evaluation of personality disorders according to the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, which integrates a dimensional approach to level of personality functioning and diagnosis of personality disorders.

Another consideration is whether a computer-assisted version of the SCID-5 is desired. If so, see the above NetSCID-5 or eInterview product information.

User’s Guide

Each version of the SCID-5 has an accompanying User’s Guide that includes general instructions on how to administer the SCID-5 as well as extensive disorder-specific guidelines. It is essential for any user of the SCID-5 to have reviewed the User’s Guide prior to administration. The SCID-5 User’s Guide is available exclusively through American Psychiatric Association Publishing. To order the SCID-5 User's Guide

SCID-5 Reference Interviews (Videos) and Ratings

Format: Digital recordings of SCID-5 interviews featuring diagnostic presentations available in Unlimited Streaming format through Vimeo and DVD. Reference ratings which can be used for training and calibration are included.  Order information for the SCID-5 Reference Interviews.

Available for: SCID-5-RV, SCID-5-CV, SCID-5-CT, SCID-5-PD

SCID-5 101 Didactic Webinar

Format: 10+ hour web based training course that includes all the necessary information required to administer the SCID-5 (expected to be available in Winter 2018). Available for: SCID-5-RV, SCID-5-CV

SCID-5 Knowledge Examination

Format: A web based knowledge examination to include multiple choice questions (expected to be available in Winter 2018).  Available for: SCID-5-RV, SCID-5-CV

On-site SCID-5 Training

On-site training consists primarily of live SCID-5 interviews with volunteer subjects to be arranged by the site facilitator and group supervision led by Dr. Michael First, lead author of the SCID-5. Generally, there will be two full training days with three to four SCID-5 interviews scheduled per day with volunteer subjects. The first day of training will begin with a half-day didactic presentation and an opportunity for the attendees to ask questions about the SCID-5 that have arisen during review of the User’s Guide and other training materials, which should have been reviewed by the trainees prior to the training. The initial SCID-5 interview will be administered by Dr. First to demonstrate the SCID-5 techniques. The cost for on-site training is variable based on specifics and is typically $2,500 per training day plus travel expenses.

Off-site SCID-5 Supervision

Off-site supervision consists of having recorded SCID-5 interviews critically reviewed to ensure that interviewers are administering the instrument in accordance with guidelines and conventions, and making proper ratings based on the symptoms described by the interview subject. An audio or video recording of the SCID-5 interview accompanied by a copy of the corresponding SCID-5 interview forms are reviewed by a leading SCID-5 expert who will then provide a detailed assessment documenting incorrect ratings and other deficiencies in the SCID-5 interview. Specific suggestions to achieve increased rating reliability and accuracy will also be provided. The cost for off-site supervision is $200 per hour, based on the on the time spent reviewing the SCID-5 interviews and preparing the summary assessment.

There are several significant differences between the SCID-5 and the SCID-IV. The SCID-IV was published in 1994, and the newer version of the SCID for DSM-5 was published in 2013 is now available. For a summary of differences between the SCID-5 and SCID-IV. It is encouraged that users migrate to SCID-5 since it is the latest version available.

Given the complexity of the SCID-5 instruments, subsequent errors and updates are inevitable. A PDF document that includes a list of errors found, the affected module; page; or field code, and a detailed explanation on how to update the SCID-5 will be made available on the American Psychiatric Association Publishing’s web page for download.  Additionally, the latest updates to the SCID-5-RV will be made available there.  Access the latest updates for SCID-5 .

Each SCID-5 version has a specific citation. To access SCID-5 Citations.

Presently, there is no reliability or validity data available for the SCID-5, other than the validation of the NetSCID-5 products.