ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the use of Knowledge Base 2.1, a computer program that administers a response dependent, structured interview to evaluate the presence of psychiatric disorders within the chemical dependency treatment setting. The writer reviews the problems commonly encountered when conducting clinical interviews, psychometric examinations and differentially diagnosing psychiatric disorders within this special population. Knowledge Base 2.1 utilizes combined computer techniques of rule driven logic, pattern matching, and an original algorithm that accomplishes a “real time restandardization” of the complete database. With each administration, restandardization is implemented in an effort to adequately consider the effects of chemical dependency on psychological test performance and normative information regarding symptoms. Knowledge Base 2.1 also functions as a research tool inasmuch as all patient responses to this structured interview are permanently stored in computer files for ongoing analysis.
