title: The DrugCheck Problem List: a new screen for substance use disorders in people with psychosis.
abstract: Despite considerable recent interest in the issue of comorbid substance use disorders in people with serious mental illness, there remains a need to refine approaches to screening. This paper describes the development and testing of a new screen for substance-related comorbidity, the 12-item DrugCheck Problem List (PL). Exploratory factor analysis with inpatient samples suggested a single-factor structure, although confirmatory factor analysis in a further sample found similar fit from a two-factor model. Sensitivity and specificity in detecting DSM-IV substance use disorders were both high and comparable to performances of the Severity of Dependence Scale and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Australian version). The list of problem areas provided by the PL has utility in driving further assessment and treatment planning, and offers suggested foci for motivational interviewing. While further testing is indicated, these data provide strong initial support for its use.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia. david.kavanagh@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kavanagh
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trembath
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shockley
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Isailovic
authors.forename: Ross McD
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: Gerard J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Byrne
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Connor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult