APA Dictionary of Psychology

a structured interview assessing an individual’s current and past symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and substance dependence. Designed to be an objective diagnostic instrument requiring a minimum of clinical judgment, the DIS consists of a predetermined set of questions that are asked in a specific order. It was originally developed in the late 1970s by the National Institute of Mental Health for use in the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Survey. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC) is also available.