An application of actuarial methods in psychiatric diagnosis

Abstract

An actuarial program for psychiatric diagnosis is evaluated for agreement with final clinical diagnosis in a series of 288 patients. The actuarial program provides a probability differential diagnosis based on an analysis of history and background data, symptom rating profiles, and MMPI clinical scale profiles. The observed agreement with final clinical diagnosis is approximately 50% higher than previously reported for psychological testing in this same setting. The results emphasize the importance for psychologists of clinical interview and observation skills.