Deborah Hasin, PhD

  • Professor of Epidemiology (in Psychiatry) at CUMC
Profile Headshot

Overview

Dr. Deborah Hasin is Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at Columbia University in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Psychiatry, with a joint appointment in the Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology. Her research focuses on drug and alcohol disorders and psychiatric comorbidity. She received her Ph.D. in epidemiology from Columbia University in 1986. Dr. Hasin directs the Substance Dependence Research Group in the Department of Translational Epidemiology, and the NIDA-funded Substance Abuse Epidemiology Training Program (SAETP) at Columbia University. Dr. Hasin’s current research focuses on policy and other large-scale social influences on time trends in cannabis use and cannabis-related harms, and on concepts and measures of addiction and recovery/remission across psychoactive substances. Her studies on drugs and alcohol have been continously funded by NIDA and NIAAA since 1990.

Dr. Hasin is on the Board of Directors of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, is a member of the steering committee of the Alcohol Clinical Trials Initiative (ACTIVE), and is the text editor for the substance use disorder sections of DSM-5-TR. In the past, she has been President of the American Psychopathological Association and has served as a member of many other national advising and consultative groups. Dr. Hasin has over 450 publications, including papers on time trends and state-level influences on cannabis use, cannabis use disorder, binge drinking and alcohol use disorders and in DSM-5 definitions of substance use disorders in general population and clinical samples. Dr. Hasin’s diagnostic research interview, the PRISM, is in use in numerous studies of the relationship of substance and psychiatric disorders in the U.S. and internationally.

ABOUT PRISM

The Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders, Computerized Version for DSM-5 Disorders (PRISM-5) was developed by Dr. Deborah Hasin. It is asemi-structured diagnostic interviewdesigned to diagnose DSM-5 substance and psychiatric disorders in individuals who drink alcohol or use drugs heavily.

History

To address the lack of a diagnostic interview that was suitable for co-morbidity research, the PRISM was developed in 1990 as a paper and pencil questionnaire based on DSM-III-R criteria. Since that time, computerized versions of the PRISM for DSM-IV disorders (PRISM-CV-IV) and DSM-5 disorders (PRISM-5) have been developed and fully tested.

The PRISM-5 is ideal for substance screening and the diagnosis of substance use and psychiatric disorders since its questions are detailed and comprehensive. The information collected can be used to generate current and lifetime substance use and psychiatric disorder diagnoses. The information collected is designed to assist in the differentiation between primary and substance-induced psychiatric disorders.

Features

  • The PRISM-5 assesses the following DSM-5 disorders:
    • Substance Use Disorders
    • Mood Disorders
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Psychotic Disorders
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
    • Pathological Gambling
    • Customized Interviewing
    • Tailored Interview Questions and Answers
    • Improved Diagnostic Accuracy
    • Comprehensive Diagnostic Report
    • Complete Database

The PRISM-5 is a dynamic interview that utilizes information obtained throughout the interview to create questions that are specific to each respondent’s lifetime experiences.


In using a computerized interview,automatic branching and built-in logic checks not only save time – they also result in fewer errors and misdiagnoses.

The PRISM-5 automatically generates a diagnostic report of substance use and psychiatric disorders at the end of the interview. DSM-5 diagnoses are provided for the past 30 days, past year, and prior to the past year.

In addition to the diagnostic report, the PRISM-5 package includes access to the entire database of item-level and diagnostic data that can easily be exported to many statistical software programs, primarily SAS.

Training

Training is recommended for all individuals administering the PRISM-5. Proper training ensures that the PRISM-5 is administered reliably and also helps interviewers become comfortable with all aspects of the interview.

PRISM-5 Training Workshops

One to two-day training workshops are provided at Columbia University in New York City or remotely via virtual training. Training consists of both didactic and role-play components.

Certification

Part of the training procedures is that all trainees send a recorded interview to our offices for review and critique to ensure that the PRISM-5 is administered properly. Written feedback will be provided and the reviewer will recommend whether further training is needed in order achieve competency in the administration of the PRISM-5.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the PRISM-5 different from other structured or semi-structured psychiatric diagnostic interviews?

Unlike other psychiatric diagnostic interviews, the PRISM was developed specifically to address diagnostic issues when heavy substance use and psychiatric disorders co-occur. Specific questions are provided to assess the timing of mood, anxiety, and psychotic episodes in relation to heavy substance use.

Additionally, emphasis is given to substance use experiences questions which are especially detailed. The PRISM-5 tool can be used in research studies as a substance use disorder diagnostic tool.

What are the advantages of using the PRISM-5?

  • The PRISM-5 is computerized and incorporates internal checks to ensure that information entered is logical and consistent with information already obtained. This eliminates the need for extensive data cleaning after the interview.
  • All interview skips are programmed so the interviewer is automatically guided to the next appropriate question. This reduces interviewer errors as well as administration time.
  • The PRISM-5 can be tailored to your research or treatment needs by selectively choosing which modules to administer.
  • At the end of the interview, a diagnostic report is automatically generated and appears on the screen which provides the advantage of an immediate and reliable available diagnosis. Therefore, the use of the PRISM-5 for screening and clinical purposes is appealing as well.

Who can be diagnosed using the PRISM-5 interview?

Any adult who is physically and cognitively able to participate in an interview can be assessed using the PRISM-5 tool.

Who can administer the PRISM-5 interview?

Interviewers with different professional backgrounds can administer the PRISM-5 provided they obtain theproper training. Past trainees have been bachelor’s and master’s level psychology degree holders, professional counselors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Ideally, interviewers should have some experience with substance-using and mentally ill populations.

How long does it take to administer the PRISM-5 interview?

It takes approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours for an experienced interviewer to administer the complete PRISM-5. The range of time required depends on the complexity of the respondent’s substance use, psychiatric history, and current medical and psychological condition. Administration time can be reduced by excluding modules that are less relevant to your setting or study population.

What system requirements are needed in order to administer the PRISM-5?

The PRISM-5 requires aWindows® operating system. Additionally, it is recommended that a Blaise® software license is acquired for exporting the data and data analysis purposes. This ensures that our staff can provide general guidance during that process, if needed. However, other software can be used if preferred.

CONTACT

For additional information about the PRISM-5 package and cost, contact:

Eliana Greenstein, M.A., M.P.H

PRISM Training Director

(646) 774-7919

Eliana.Greenstein@nyspi.columbia.edu

Academic Appointments

  • Professor of Epidemiology (in Psychiatry) at CUMC

Administrative Titles

  • Co-Director, Center for the Study of Social Inequalities and Health

Gender

  • Female

Credentials & Experience

Education & Training

  • BA, 1972 University of California
  • MS, 1980 Columbia University
  • PhD, 1986 Columbia University

Committees, Societies, Councils

Member, Research Society on Alcoholism

Member, College on Problems of Drug Dependence

Member, American Psychopathological Association

Editorial Boards

Associate Editor, Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Honors & Awards

NARSAD Young Investigator Award

NIAAA Senior Scientist and Mentoring Award

Jellinek Memorial Award for Epidemiologic Research on Alcohol

Research

Research interests include:

(1) Impact of Medical and Recreational Marijuana Laws on Cannabis, Opioids and Psychiatric Medications among patients in the US Veterans Administration, 2005-present

(2) Prospective benefits of non-abstinent reductions in heavy drinking levels in U.S. adults

(3) Measurement and risk for addiction to prescription opioid medication among chronic pain patients

(4) Leveraging social media to develop a standardized measure of cannabis use

(5) Reliability and validity of DSM-5 changes in SUD diagnostic criteria

Research Interests

  • Biostatistical Methods
  • Substance Use

Selected Publications

Hasin DS, Shmulewitz D, CerdáM, Keyes KM, Olfson M, Sarvet AL, Wall MM. US adults with pain, an increasingly vulnerable group for non-medical cannabis use and cannabis use disorder: 2001-2002 and 2012-2013.Am J Psychiatry. 2020 Jan 22PMID: 31964162

Shmulewitz D, Aharonovich E, Witkiewitz K, Anton RF, Kranzler HR, Scodes J, Mann KF, Wall MM,Hasin D.The World Health Organization risk drinking levels measure of alcohol consumption: prevalence and health correlates in US adult nationally representative surveys, 2001-2002 and 2012-2013. Accepted,Am JPsychiatry.

Hasin DS.U.S. Epidemiology of Cannabis Use and Associated Problems. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018 Jan;43(1):195-212. PMID: 28853439

Sarvet AL, Wall MM, Fink DS, Greene E, Le A, Boustead AE, Pacula RL, Keyes KM, Cerdá M, Galea S,Hasin DS.Medical marijuana laws and adolescent marijuana use in the United States: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction. 2018 Jun;113(6):1003-1016. PMID: 29468763

Hasin DS,Sarvet AL, Cerdá M, Keyes KM, Stohl M, Galea S, Wall MM. U.S. Adult Illicit Cannabis Use, Cannabis Use Disorder, and Medical Marijuana Laws: 1991-1992 to 2012-2013. JAMA Psychiatry. 2017 Jun 1;74(6):579-588. PMID: 28445557.

Hasin DS,Wall MM, Witkiewitz K, Kranzler HR, Falk D, Litten R, Mann K, O’Malley SS, Scodes J, Robinson RL, Anton R. Change in Non-Abstinent WHO Risk Drinking Levels and Alcohol Dependence: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study in the United States General Population. Lancet Psychiatry. 2017 Jun;4(6):469-476. PMID: 28456501. PMCID: 5536861.

Brown QL, Sarvet AL, Shmulewitz D, Martins SS, Wall MM,Hasin DS.Trends in marijuana use among pregnant and non-pregnant reproductive-aged women, 2002-2014. JAMA. 2017 Jan 10;317(2):207-209. PMID: 27992619

Hasin DS,Kerridge BT, Saha TD, Huang B, Pickering R, Smith SM, Jung J, Zhang H, Grant BF. Prevalence and Correlates of DSM-5 Cannabis Use Disorder, 2012-2013: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions–III. Am J Psychiatry. 2016 Jun 1;173(6):588-99. PMID: 26940807.

Hasin DS,Saha TD, Kerridge BT, Goldstein RB, Chou SP, Zhang H, Jung J, Pickering RP, Ruan WJ, Smith SM, Huang B, Grant BF. Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorders in the United States between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015 Dec 1;72(12):1235-42. PMID: 26502112.

Hasin DS,Wall M, Keyes KM, Cerdá M, Schulenberg J, O’Malley PM, Galea S, Pacula RL, Feng T. State Medical Marijuana Laws and Adolescent Marijuana Use in The United States: 1991 – 2014. Lancet Psychiatry. 2015 Jul; 2(7):601-8. PMID: 26303557. PMCID: PMC4630811.

Global Health Activities

Alcohol in Israel: Genetic and Environmental Effects: Alcohol dependence and heavy drinking are complex traits caused by genetic and environmental factors. In a population-based sample of adult Israeli participants, Dr. Hasin and her colleagues are examining the conjunction of environmental and genetic factors in the risk for alcohol and tobacco problems.

Urban Health Activities

Reducing unsafe drinking in HIV primary care: Binge drinking and drug use in HIV-infected individuals can cause or worsen liver problems, interfere with antiretroviral medication compliance and reduce survival. In large New York City HIV primary care clinics, Dr. Hasin's research group is conducting NIH-funded randomized clinical trials of brief behavioral interventions that employ interactive voice response and smartphone technology to engage patients in brief daily self-monitoring and periodic receipt of personalized feedback.