"nObjective: To translate the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axisI "ndisorders (SCID-I) into Persian (Farsi) and to adapt this instrument for the "nIranian culture. "nMethod: The SCID was translated into Persian using an elaborate procedure to "nachieve a satisfactory cross-cultural equivalent. This included forward "ntranslation by bilingual (English/Persian) translators, discussion and revision of "nthe translation in an expert panel of bilingual mental health professionals, pilot "nassessment on a small sample of Persian-speaking patients, back-translation "ninto English and comparison with the original SCID. In addition, "nunderstandability and acceptability of the translated items were assessed in 299 "npatients in three psychiatric hospitals in Tehran, Iran. "nResults: Some adaptations were made to bring about cross-cultural "ncomparability, especially with regard to conceptual differences which led to "ndifficulties in transferring some psychiatric concepts from English to Persian. "nThe SCID questions were generally understandable and acceptable for the "nIranian patients. "nConclusion: The SCID was translated into Persian in a multi-stage process to "nensure a satisfactory cross-cultural equivalent