The DSM-IV criteria for adolescent alcohol and cannabis use disorders

Author(s): Latimer, W., Stinchfield, R. D.

Journal/Book: J Stud Alcohol. 1999; 60: C/O Deirdre English, 607 Allison Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8001, USA. Alcohol Res Documentation Inc Cent Alcohol Stud Rutgers Univ. 337-344.

Abstract: Objective: The aims of this study are to compare DSM-IV criteria for alcohol and cannabis use disorders with its predecessor, DSM-III-R, and to examine the validity of the new criteria in an adolescent drug clinic sample. Method: During evaluation, a sample of 772 adolescents (63% boys, 77% white) were administered a structured interview of diagnostic symptoms and additional problem severity measures. Independent staff ratings of problem severity and treatment referral were collected as well. Results: Compared to its predecessor, DSM-III-R, application of the DSM-IV criteria for alcohol and cannabis users resulted in more abuse assignments and fewer dependence assignments. The shift in assignments appeared to be largely due to a lowering of the abuse threshold, rather than to a tightening of the dependence criteria. The external validity data generally supported the DSM-IV abuse and dependence distinction in adolescents, and the newer criteria were as valid as the older criteria. Conclusions: In contrast to DSM-III-R, the DSM-IV system yields more abuse cases and fewer dependence cases among adolescent alcohol and cannabis abusers. Validity evidence for the new criteria are defensible, yet the findings are seen as a starting point for discussing the need for tailoring substance use disorder criteria for adolescents.

Note: Article Winters KC, Univ Minnesota, Dept Psychiat, Box 393, Mayo Bldg, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis,MN 55455 USA

Keyword(s): SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS; DRUG-ABUSE; SYMPTOMS; SCALES

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