The impact of the interview method on reported symptoms of narcotic addicts

Male veterans applying for outpatient treatment of narcotic addiction were interviewed as to symptoms of withdrawal and overdose using a two-phase procedure. First they were asked how they felt, with no specific symptoms mentioned by the interviewer. Then a list of 28 symptoms was read. Symptoms reports increased dramatically. Every symptom was reported more frequently when patients were specifically asked. Correlations indicated fairly good agreement on severe symptom levels, but poor agreement on mild and moderate symptoms. Standardization of method of inquiry seems essential for valid comparison of studies of addiction.