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Systematic Assessment of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Effects During and After Acute Intoxication
Author(s) -
Kim Susan Y.,
Barker Judith C.,
Anderson Ilene B.,
Dyer Jo Ellen,
Earnest Gillian,
Blanc Paul D.
Publication year - 2008
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 - 10.1080/10550490802138988
Subject(s) - cronbach's alpha , medicine , internal consistency , cognition , anesthesia , psychiatry , clinical psychology , psychometrics
We adapted and tested a previously published questionnaire battery eliciting sensory and cognitive symptoms during (acute) and immediately after (post‐acute) GHB intoxication. Studying 125 GHB users, we assessed the instrument's internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha (CA) and responsiveness to change comparing acute and post‐acute symptoms. The final 14‐item battery demonstrated good internal consistency (CA ≥ 0.85, both acute and post‐acute). The median symptom score (possible range 0–64) was 30 (acute) and 6 (post‐acute; difference p < 0.001). This modified substance‐specific symptom battery, which is easily administered, demonstrated excellent performance characteristics. It can be used to study GHB and, potentially, related drugs of abuse.