PADDITM

Practical Adolescent Dual Diagnostic Interview

by Todd W. Estroff, M.D. and Norman G. Hoffmann, Ph.D.

The PADDI is a comprehensive diagnostic assessment interview designed specifically for adolescents. It documents both DSM-IV substance abuse/dependence diagnoses and major mental health conditions. The PADDI emphasizes the mental health conditions most likely to impede recovery from substance abuse or dependence.

The interview questions are designed to be objective, simple and easily understood. Behavior is emphasized to facilitate working with parents, family members, and other involved individuals in gauging the nature and extent of substance abuse and mental health problems.

The PADDI is designed to reduce assessment time. It rapidly collects detailed information in a highly consistent fashion. Assessment costs are reduced by using interviewers to collect the basic information for review by a qualified professional.

APPLICATIONS: The PADDI is ideal for performing a dual diagnosis work-up as part of an initial clinical assessment for youths seen in addictions treatment programs, mental health clinics, private practices, courts, and juvenile justice facilities.

ADMINISTRATION: Both administration and scoring can be completed during a typical outpatient interview. The PADDI can be administered by professionals or trained technicians.

TIME REQUIREMENTS: The interview takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on the extent of problems detected. Scoring can be done within five minutes.

TRAINING: Professionals can use the PADDI without special training. Technicians and paraprofessionals can administer the instrument with minimal training and supervision. Final interpretation of findings requires a qualified professional. An online continuing education course featuring the use of the PADDI and data derived from clinical and juvenile justice populations can be accessed at the following sites: www.ceus-now.com and www.dataofrionline.com.

STATISTICS AND CLINICAL PROFILES: Internal consistency reliability for the PADDI scales are very high. For example, coefficients for depression and mania exceed .90; for anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, and substance dependence reliability coefficients range from about .70 to over .85. Test-retest reliabilities in preliminary studies range from .70 to .95, depending upon the condition in question, suggesting consistent reporting of symptoms and behaviors. Clinical profiles tend to make clear distinctions between adolescents who manifest a given condition and those who do not.

COPYRIGHT: The PADDI is copyrighted. Photocopying or adapting it is illegal and constitutes unethical conduct.

© 2005 Evince Clinical Assessments