title: Determining a diagnostic cut-off on the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for cocaine dependence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) as a diagnostic measure of cocaine dependence and determine the cut-off score that best discriminates between the presence and absence of a DSM-IV diagnosis of cocaine dependence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sydney, Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and forty-two cocaine users.
  
  
  METHODS
  The diagnostic performance of the SDS was measured via ROC analysis against DSM-IV diagnoses of cocaine dependence, as measured by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  ROC analysis revealed the SDS to be a test of high diagnostic utility for the measurement of cocaine dependence. The cut-off point on the SDS at which there is optimal discrimination between the presence and absence of a DSM-IV diagnosis of cocaine dependence was found to be 3 (i.e. a score of 3 or more).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study statistically validated the utility of the SDS as a diagnostic measure of cocaine dependence and has determined an appropriate cut-off point. The SDS is recommended as a brief screening instrument for cocaine dependence that can be used in addition to more comprehensive measures, such as the CIDI.
authors.affiliation: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Sharlene
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.forename: Shane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Darke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D012372:ROC Curve; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index