[Standardized psychiatric examination according to the Wing-Cooper-Sartorius method]. / L'examen psychiatrique standardisé selon la méthode de Wing, Cooper et Sartorius.

The Present State Examination elaborated by Wing, Cooper and Sartorius aims at standardizing the psychiatric examination by controlling the interview technique, the definition of symptoms, and the taxinomic rationale. The method consists of two successive steps: a "human step" (evaluation of 140 symptoms) and a "computer step" (the CATEGO program, compatible with the WHO International Classification of Diseases). Besides its interest for clinical research, the Present State Examination is extremely helpful in clinical routine and in teaching. A few examples from the work done in our department are given. They concern an epidemiological study of recent mothers, a methodological reflexion on subjects presenting a borderline personality, and on a comparative study of female alcoholism.