DISC-IV
Also written as: DISC-IV — Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Fourth Edition
A structured diagnostic interview used to assess psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.
Full Definition
The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Fourth Edition (DISC-IV) is a comprehensive, highly structured diagnostic interview designed to assess more than 30 psychiatric disorders in youth aged 6-17 years. The interview follows DSM-IV criteria and includes both parent and youth versions. The DISC-IV generates diagnoses for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, substance use disorders, and other conditions. It is typically administered by trained clinicians or research staff and takes 1-3 hours to complete, depending on the number of symptoms endorsed.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate and include the version number (DISC-IV) to distinguish from earlier versions.
In Context
- "The DISC-IV confirmed diagnoses of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder." — Diagnostic evaluation report
- "Both parent and youth versions of the DISC-IV were administered to ensure comprehensive assessment." — Research protocol description