Introduction to the Model, Measures, and Methods of the HiTOP - Relevance for Psychological Assessme

Abstract

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) consortium has proposed an alternative, evidence-based, and dimensional classification for psychopathology that focuses on the empirical structure of psychopathology rather than consensus judgements of psychiatric experts. HiTOP provides psychometrically robust targets for research and clinical practice that have resulted in a robust body of literature related the assessment and classification of mental health conditions. In this symposium, we introduce the model, measures, and methods of HiTOP, with an eye toward elements most relevant to the psychological assessment community. Kotov will introduce the HiTOP model and describe the consortium of scholars and practitioners who have aligned to build and disseminate the HiTOP model. Ruggero will describe the efforts to translate the HiTOP model into clinical practice, including the development of a network of clinics that have been working to build an assessment infrastructure for HiTOP. Simms will introduce the HiTOP self-report measure (HiTOP-SR), including evidence of reliability and structural validity collected from a large, diverse sample of 4,079 participants who span a range of psychiatric patients and community adults. Note that this will be the first public unveiling of the HiTOP-SR measure. Levin-Aspenson then will describe the HiTOP semi-structured interview that is under development. Wright will describe the revisions process that has been developed to systematize changes to the HiTOP model and ensure that HiTOP is a nimble psychiatric classification that is responsive to new evidence. Finally, ample time will be reserved for discussion with the audience regarding the clinical and research utility of the measure, including the implications for assessment research and practice

Chair

Leonard Simms | University at Buffalo

Goals & Objectives

1. Describe the HiTOP Model and the efforts that are underway to make It clinically useful
2. Describe the methods that are available to assess the HiTOP Model
3. Compare the HiTOP Model to other classification systems in terms of its usability and responsiveness to new evidence.