The TAAD is a very brief, structured interview covering current alcohol and drug problems related to the DSM-IV criteria for abuse and dependence. As a triage interview it provides more definitive findings than a screen. The TAAD identifies obvious cases and provides substantial support for the diagnosis. In cases where a diagnosis is not indicated, the TAAD provides documentation of negative responses to some of the more prevalent abuse and dependence symptoms. For the remaining cases, where only a few problems are indicated, a comprehensive assessment will be required to make a definitive determination.

APPLICATIONS: The TAAD is intended for use in situations where a basic face-to-face screen or triage for a current diagnosis is desired with a minimum time commitment. It is ideal as a follow-up to a positive breath or urinalysis or when there is a need to assess probability of a current diagnosis. The TAAD can be used by a technician in medical settings or by correctional officers in jails or similar settings to determine when a clinician with expertise in chemical dependency should be consulted.

ADMINISTRATION: The TAAD is intended to be presented as an interview and not as a pencil-and-paper instrument. The instrument can be administered by any staff person with good interviewing skills, but interpretation is reserved for qualified licensed professionals.

TIME REQUIREMENTS: Administering the TAAD will typically take no more than 10 minutes.

Scoring will take 2 to 3 minutes.

SCORING AND INTERPRETATION: The results of the TAAD scoring can be coded in the template at the back of the interview. In most cases, a positive diagnosis for dependence for a given substance will be indicated if at least three DSM-IV categories are covered by at least five positive responses to the dependence items. A diagnosis for dependence may be indicated with fewer than five items if additional evidence suggests that the events constitute a clear pattern. Abuse is indicated by any positive response to any abuse criteria, but it is advisable to verify that the event or events have been recurrent. In all cases, only a qualified clinician can make the final determination of whether a diagnosis is indicated, based on all the evidence available.

STATISTICAL FINDINGS: The internal consistency reliabilities for both alcohol and drug dependence are over .92; reliability coefficients for alcohol abuse and drug abuse are over .82 and .84 respectively. Of those meeting minimal criteria for dependence, the TAAD documents more than the requisite three categories for the vast majority of cases. Most dependent persons have positive findings on five or more of the seven categories.

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

TAAD is also available by site license arrangement for large volume users. Site licenses provide a substantial discount. Please call for additional information.

© 2005 Evince Clinical Assessments