Book excerpt: The PAS-ADD clinical interview has been designed to meet the particular problems of assessment in people with intellectual disability (mental retardation), but is equally valid for use with the general population. It provides full diagnoses under both ICD 10 and DSM IV(TR), and also provides a framework for producing a wider case formulation using other assessment frameworks, behavioural, ecological, psychodynamic etc. The interview is designed to maximise the possibility of conducting a clinical interview, even if the client's level of language is poor. Questions are also provided for informants, so that the interviews can be conducted with a client and informant, or just with an informant if the client is non-verbal . Information can be collected, not just on current mental state, but also on a second representative episode.The interview provides full diagnoses under both ICD 10 and DSM IV(TR), including: ICD 10 Agoraphobia Social phobia Specific phobia Panic disorder Generalized anxiety disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder Depressive episode Depressive episode with psychotic features Manic episode Manic episode with psychotic features Schizophrenia Other non-organic psychosis Other persistent delusional disorder Delusional disorder Psychosis unspecified Autistic Spectrum Disorder* *Screening only DSM IV (TR) Agoraphobia Social phobia Specific phobia Panic disorder Generalized anxiety disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder Depressive episode Depressive episode with psychotic features Manic episode Manic episode with psychotic features Schizophrenia Schizophreniform disorder Delusional disorder Psychotic disorder NOS Brief psychotic disorder ADHD Autistic Spectrum Disorder* The PAS-ADD clinical interview uses a scoring system that is transparent to the user, making it very clear to see not just the criteria that have been fulfilled but also those that are close to fulfilment. This makes the process of clinical interpretation easier and based on clear evidence.There are two parts to the PAS-ADD Clinical Interview The handbook, which includes guidance to the user, notes on the diagnostic algorithms, and the semi-structured interview 1.The score forms, for recording the ratings, determining which diagnostic criteria have been met, and bringing together other relevant information to make a comprehensive case formulation. 2.Vital information for: psychologists, psychiatrists and qualified professionals in community mental health teams, mental health trusts, acute health trusts, universities and students