Am J Psychiatry 1982; 139:577-583
Copyright © 1982 by American Psychiatric Association
DSM-III as a research tool
C Treece
The author describes the use of the DSM-III's diagnostic criteria and
classification system as a research instrument and discusses some of the
advantages and drawbacks of DMS-III for a specific type of study. A
rearrangement of the hierarchical order of the DSM-III diagnostic classes
is suggested. This rearrangement provides for levels of certainty in
analyzing interrater reliability and offers a simplified framework for
summarizing group data. When this approach is combined with a structured
interview and response format, it provides a flexible way of managing a
large classification system for a smaller study without sacrificing
standardization.
