DISC Predictive Scales (DPS)
Brief description
The DISC Predictive Scales (DPS) is a diagnosis-specific self-report inventory designed to identify youth who are likely to meet diagnostic criteria for one or more mental health disorders (including substance use disorders). The scales and related items are derived from a secondary analysis of a large epidemiological dataset containing responses to the full Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC 2.3) and other DSM-III diagnostic information. The 56 items in the inventory refer to the past 12 months. The DISC scales are:
- simple phobia
- social phobia
- agoraphobia
- overanxious disorder
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- separation anxiety disorder
- eating disorders
- major depressive disorder
- ADHD
- oppositional defiant disorder
- conduct disorder
- alcohol/substance use disorder
Appropriate target populations
Validation data cover a juvenile justice population aged 9 to 17.
Administration options
Parent and youth self-report and the instrument is typically delivered via computer with items appearing on the screen and also heard by audio via headphones.
Formats available
_X_ self-administered (paper-and-pencil)
_X_ self-administered (computer)
___ clinician-administered
Languages available
_X_ English
___ French
___ Other
Accessibility and cost
___ no charge for use
_X_ use requires permission of test developer (A PDF copy of the tool is available from the author.)
___ use requires special training and/or professional or academic credentials
_X_ fee for use (The software version is $250 per installation.)
Where to access
Contact Chris Lucas for more information: casiasoftware@optonline.net or visit the Center for the Promotion of Mental Health in Juvenile Justice's website to view the brochure.
Summary of test development data
Quality of reporting
High, based on STARD rating (see Appendix, p.76).
Summary of validity and reliability data
High, but data on test-retest reliability would be helpful.