Mini-international neuropsychiatric interview

Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) is a short, structured diagnostic interview used for the classification of psychiatric disorders. Developed by psychiatrists and clinicians in the United States and Europe, it is designed to meet the need for a reliable, valid, and efficient diagnostic instrument. The MINI is used across various settings, including clinical practice, research, and epidemiological studies. It is compatible with both the DSM-IV and ICD-10 classification systems.

Development and Structure

The MINI was developed in the 1990s by Dr. David Sheehan and colleagues as a tool to overcome the limitations of existing diagnostic interviews by being both time-efficient and comprehensive. It is structured to facilitate the diagnosis of 17 major psychiatric disorders according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria. The interview is divided into modules, each corresponding to a diagnostic category, allowing for flexibility in administration. The MINI can be administered in approximately 15-30 minutes, making it significantly shorter than other comprehensive diagnostic interviews such as the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID) and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).

Usage

The MINI is utilized in a variety of settings, including psychiatric research, clinical trials, primary care settings, and psychiatric outpatient services. Its brevity and ease of use make it particularly useful in settings where time is limited and a quick assessment of psychiatric comorbidity is necessary. The MINI has been translated into over 30 languages and is used worldwide, highlighting its adaptability and utility in diverse cultural contexts.

Modules and Disorders

The MINI assesses a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Suicidality
• Bipolar Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Alcohol Dependence
• Substance Dependence
• Psychotic Disorders
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Social Phobia
• Agoraphobia
• Specific Phobia

Reliability and Validity

Numerous studies have evaluated the reliability and validity of the MINI, comparing it to other established diagnostic interviews. The MINI has demonstrated good to excellent reliability and validity in diagnosing psychiatric disorders, making it a trusted tool in both clinical and research settings.

Conclusion

The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview stands as a valuable instrument for the rapid assessment of psychiatric disorders. Its efficiency, reliability, and validity make it a preferred choice for clinicians and researchers worldwide. By providing a structured and systematic approach to diagnosis, the MINI contributes significantly to the understanding and treatment of psychiatric conditions.

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