The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.)

For the current study, the M.I.N.I 7.0.2. validated English version was used and translated into Modern Standard Arabic (MSA, M.I.N.I.-AR; Additional file 1). The M.I.N.I. is a short (needing between 15 and 30 min for completion), structured diagnostic interview compatible with the DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria. It was specifically designed for implementation in clinical practice and research in psychiatric-, as well as primary health care settings. The M.I.N.I. includes 130 questions with “yes” and “no” answer options examining 16 axis-I DSM-5 disorders as well as one personality disorder. Each of the 16 modules starts with a screening question to exclude the diagnoses and possibly skip the module accordingly if answered negatively or explore symptoms severity when responded positively. Several validation studies [12, 24] have demonstrated excellent interrater and test reliabilities of the M.I.N.I. Furthermore, moderate validity with both the extensive Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) [12, 14] and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-4 (SCID) [12, 14] have been exhibited. Through a previous trial by our research group with a pilot sample size (N = 20), initial validity has been shown for the translated M.I.N.I.-AR [25].