Comparing the CAAPE, a new assessment tool for co-occurring disorders, with the SCID.

Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (COD) are common and frequently under-detected, which may lead to less than optimal treatment for persons in psychosocial rehabilitation settings. A new, relatively brief instrument, the Comprehensive Addictions and Psychological Evaluation (CAAPE) was compared with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). The CAAPE required less time to administer than the SCID, efficiently explored DSM substance use disorder criteria and served as a screen for psychiatric disorders. The CAAPE promises to be a useful screening and diagnostic instrument for persons with co-occurring disorders, especially suited for use in psychosocial rehabilitation.