An Evaluation of the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) Screener for DSM-5 Disorders

The primary objective of the study was to determine the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, as well as positive predictive validity and negative predictive validity of the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) Screener, a self-report screening questionnaire for identifying possible DSM-5 disorders. The design of the screening tool allows it to be used as a standalone measure or in conjunction with the DART Interview, a semistructured diagnostic interview for assessing DSM-5 disorders. Participants included a sample of treatment-seeking individuals (N = 562) who presented at an outpatient anxiety disorder clinic for an intake assessment. The DART Screener was administered prior to the DART Interview. Overall, the DART Screener achieved high sensitivity and low to moderate specificity across the separate items. In addition, the DART Screener demonstrated high negative predictive validity and low to moderate positive predictive validity. The high sensitivity and low false negative rate of the DART Screener suggest that it is a helpful tool that can be used effectively as a stand-alone screening measure or to identify relevant DSM-5 disorders to assess via semistructured or clinical diagnostic interviews.