SCID-D Assessment for Dissociative Disorders
What is the SCID-D?
The SCID-D (Structured Clinical Interview for Dissociative Disorders) is a specialised diagnostic tool used to assess dissociative experiences and disorders, including Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder, and Dissociative Amnesia. Dissociative disorders can often go undiagnosed due to the complex and subtle nature of symptoms, which may overlap with other mental health conditions. The SCID-D provides a structured, in-depth approach to identifying these disorders and understanding an individual’s dissociative symptoms.
Why is a SCID-D Assessment Useful?
Dissociative symptoms can have a significant impact on daily functioning, relationships, and sense of identity. An accurate assessment is essential in tailoring appropriate treatment. The SCID-D is especially useful if you or your healthcare provider suspect dissociative symptoms, such as memory gaps, feelings of detachment, or identity confusion. Early diagnosis can inform treatment choices and improve the effectiveness of interventions like EMDR, DBT, or trauma-focused therapies.
What Does the SCID-D Assess?
The SCID-D explores five key areas of dissociation:
- Amnesia: Memory gaps or blackouts that go beyond ordinary forgetfulness. For example, you may be unable to recall events from your day or find personal belongings you don’t remember placing.
- Depersonalisation: A feeling of detachment from your body or self. For instance, you may feel as though you’re observing yourself from outside your body or that your actions don’t feel like your own.
- Derealisation: A sense that the world around you isn’t real. You might feel as if people and surroundings are dreamlike, distant, or distorted.
- Identity Confusion: Uncertainty or confusion about who you are. You may struggle to define your sense of self or feel torn between different identities or roles.
- Identity Alteration: The experience of having distinct identities or “parts” that take control at different times. For example, you may find that at times you act in ways that feel unfamiliar or discover you’ve written things in a different handwriting.
What to Expect in a SCID-D Assessment
The SCID-D assessment is conducted over a series of sessions. We will begin with a pre-assessment meeting to explore your current difficulties and the reasons for seeking the assessment. During this session, we will complete the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), a screening tool designed to detect signs of dissociation alongside some other screening tools.
If we decide to proceed, we will meet for 2-3 appointments, each usually lasting 90 minutes to two hours. It may be helpful to involve someone who has observed your dissociative symptoms, such as a relative, partner, mental health worker, or GP. If preferred, I can contact them separately with your consent.
During the assessment, we will explore your dissociative experiences in detail, focusing on the five areas of dissociation, we will also touch on any previous trauma you may have experienced, if you have any concerns about this as a possible topic of discussion we can discuss how we can do this safely in the pre-assessment appointment. I aim to create a safe, confidential environment where your experiences are listened to without judgment.
Outcome and Report
After completing the assessment, we will meet again 4-6 weeks later to discuss the findings. This allows time to carefully review the information and compile a comprehensive report. You will have the opportunity to review and comment on the report before it is shared with any healthcare professionals involved in your care, ensuring it accurately reflects your experiences.
If a dissociative disorder is identified, we will discuss possible next steps, including treatment recommendations.
Should you prefer not to explore a diagnosis, but wish to use the interview to inform therapy this is also possible and the report recommendations can accommodate this.
How to Access This Service
The SCID-D assessment can be booked as a stand-alone service, separate from ongoing therapy. It can also be arranged as a pre-therapy diagnostic tool to help guide your treatment. If you are currently working with a therapist and dissociative symptoms are suspected, a SCID-D assessment may offer additional clarity.
To book a SCID-D assessment, please contact: ed@sammonstherapy.co.uk
Cost of SCID-D Assessment
- SCID-D Pre-Assessment (1 hour): £150
- Full SCID-D Assessment & Outcome meeting: £1,250
- Total: £1,400
These fees include:
- 3-6 hours for the SCID-D interview itself and contacting other professionals
- 2 hours for analysis and peer/supervisor review
- 4 hours for compiling the results into a detailed report
- 1 hour for the outcome meeting where we discuss the findings
Total time allocated: 10-13 hours + Pre-Assessment
Ready to Get Started?
You can book your SCID-D Pre-Assessment Appointment online. This one-hour session costs £150 and takes place via Zoom. It’s the first step in exploring whether a full SCID-D assessment is the right next move for you.
(You’ll be taken to the secure client portal to register and choose a time that suits you.)