Utility of computer interpretive reports based on counselors' ratings of the Diagnostic Inventory of Personality and Symptoms

The accuracy and clinical utility of computerized interpretive reports for the Diagnostic Inventory of Personality and Symptoms were explored for 540 clients of a drug treatment center. The modal profile for substance abusers was identified and the accuracy of the substance abuse scales was assessed. 9 chemical dependency counselors rated the computer reports for usefulness and compared these retrospectively with similar reports based on the MMPI and Millon's MCMI. The results suggested the Diagnostic Inventory of Personality and Symptoms accurately identifies substance abusers, provides useful information for treatment, and offers a cost-effective alternative to the MMPI and MCMI.