Systematic Assessment of Dissociative Symptoms and Disorders Using the Scid-d in a Clinical Outpatient Setting: Three Cases

This paper presents three case studies illustrating the range and scope of the clinical applications of the SCID-D, a semi-structured interview for the assessment and diagnosis of dissociative symptoms and disorders according to DSM IV criteria. The studies indicate the effectiveness of the SCID-D in differential diagnosis between medical and psychiatric conditions, in symptom documentation for forensic cases, and in treatment planning for patients previously diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly multiple personality disorder (MPD), who are experiencing impasses in therapy. Although the SCID-D is not a trauma questionnaire, its ability to elicit spontaneous descriptions of trauma from patients without the use of leading or intrusive questions makes it a valuable instrument for diagnosis and assessment as well as treatment planning and implementation. Early diagnosis of dissociative disorders with the SCID-D can lead to timely and effective treatment for those suffering from DID and the dissociative disorders.