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The development of a computerized assessment for minor psychiatric disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Glyn Lewis*
Affiliation:
General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London and Department of Community Medicine, University College, London
Anthony J. Pelosi
Affiliation:
General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London and Department of Community Medicine, University College, London
Eric Glover
Affiliation:
General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London and Department of Community Medicine, University College, London
Greg Wilkinson
Affiliation:
General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London and Department of Community Medicine, University College, London
Stephen A. Stansfeld
Affiliation:
General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London and Department of Community Medicine, University College, London
Paul Williams
Affiliation:
General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London and Department of Community Medicine, University College, London
Michael Shepherd
Affiliation:
General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London and Department of Community Medicine, University College, London
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr Glyn Lewis, General Practice Research Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF.

Synopsis

This paper describes the development, validation and use of a computerized assessment for minor psychiatric disorder based on the Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS; Goldberg et al. 1970). There was good agreement between the computerized assessment and the CIS administered by psychiatrists, both in assessing overall severity and in defining ‘cases’ of psychiatric disorder. Individual symptoms elicited by the computer and the CIS were compared, and the levels of agreement found were similar to those from inter-observer studies of standardized interviews. Subjects from a variety of non-psychiatric settings regarded the assessment as acceptable, accurate and easy to use. It is concluded that this computerized assessment of neurotic symptoms is valid and reliable. It eliminates observer bias, it is an efficient use of research resources and it may have clinical applications in primary care.

Type
Preliminary Communication
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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