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Results of a Structured Psychiatric Interview to Evaluate NASA Astronaut Candidates

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1993

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Abstract

One hundred six astronaut applicants who had passed initial screening were evaluated for Axis I and Axis II DSM-III-R diagnoses using a structured psychiatric interview. Nine of 106 candidates (8.5%) met diagnostic criteria for six Axis I (including V-code), or Axis II disorders. The use of the NASA structured interview was effective in identifying past and present psychopathology in a group of highly motivated and healthy astronaut applicants. This was the first time that a structured interview had been used in such a setting for this purpose. The methodology described is applicable to any situation where the presence or history of psychopathology requires evaluation for job selection (e.g. pilot selection).