What defines a structured interview in a clinical context?

A structured interview in a clinical context is defined as a standardized interaction between a clinician and a client. This method involves a predetermined set of questions that are asked in a specific order, allowing clinicians to gather consistent and comparable information from different clients. The use of a structured format helps ensure that all relevant topics are covered and minimizes bias, which can lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

In structured interviews, the standardized nature helps clinicians to assess symptoms methodically and evaluate their severity, providing a clear framework for understanding the client's situation. This contrasts with more casual or randomized methods, where the clinician might not adhere to a set format, which can lead to discrepancies in the information collected or overlook important diagnostic criteria. Therefore, the hallmark of a structured interview is that it is systematic, controlled, and aims for reliability in clinical assessment.