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Reliability and Validity of Screening Instruments for Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Adults Seeking Evaluation for Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Author(s) -
McCann Barbara S.,
Simpson Tracy L.,
Ries Richard,
RoyByrne Peter
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1080/10550490050172173
Subject(s) - alcohol use disorders identification test , psychiatry , substance abuse , clinical psychology , population , reliability (semiconductor) , alcohol abuse , medicine , psychology , audit , alcohol use disorder , validity , psychometrics , alcohol , poison control , injury prevention , medical emergency , environmental health , power (physics) , physics , management , quantum mechanics , economics , biochemistry , chemistry
A growing number of adults are seeking evaluation for Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Screening for substance use disorders should be included as part of any comprehensive ADHD evaluation. We describe the validity and reliability of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in adults seeking evaluation for ADHD. Internal reliability estimates were excellent for both instruments. Scores on the DAST and AUDIT were higher among patients with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of current drug abuse or dependence or current alcohol abuse or dependence, respectively. A cutoff score of 6 or above appears to be optimal for identifying individuals who are current drug abusers. A cutoff score of 6 or above on the AUDIT is suggested for detection of current alcohol abuse in this population. Comparable rates of substance use disorders were observed in ADHD and non‐ADHD patients. Both measures are valid and reliable instruments for screening for alcohol and drug abuse among adults seeking evaluation for ADHD.