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Determining a diagnostic cut-off on the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for cocaine dependence
1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Aim:
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.
Design:
Cross-sectional survey.
Setting:
Sydney, Australia.
Participants:
One hundred and forty-two cocaine users.
Measurements:
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).
Findings:
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.