Reliability and validity of the German version of the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI)

Objective: This study provides data on the psychometric characteristics of the German version of the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI). The ASI is a frequently used clinical and research instrument that measures pr oblem severity among people with substance dependence. Method: The German A SI was used in a sample of 112 consecutively admitted male psychiatric inpa tients seeking treatment for severs alcohol problems. The conceptual struct ure of the German ASI subscales was investigated by analyzing the intercorr elations of the severity ratings and composite scores. Internal consistency , interrater reliability and concurrent validity in terms of correlations w ith other assessment instruments were evaluated. Results: The German ASI su bscales proved to be independent or moderately correlated (-0.17 < r < 0.34 ). Each correlation coefficient between corresponding severity ratings and composite scores was significant (p < .0005), ranging from r = 0.47 to r = 0.93. Reliability measures indicated moderate to good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.69-0.92) and moderate to excellent interrater reliabil ity (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.62-0.99). Validity was supported by significantly higher ratings in the alcohol section in alcohol dependen t patients compared to patients without dependence (t = 2.99, 108 df, p = . 004). Significant correlations (p < .001) were found between the alcohol us e section and the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (r = 0.34 composite sc ore and r = 0.44 severity rating) and between psychiatric status and the Sy mptom Checklist-90-Revised (r = 0.55/0.51), supporting concurrent validity. Conclusions: The German version presented evidence of acceptable psychomet ric properties and its applicability in German-speaking countries could be confirmed.