Measuring change in cannabis use. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adamson, Simon J.; Kay-Lambkin, Frances J.; Baker, Amanda; Frampton, Chris M. A.; Sellman, Doug; Lewin, Terry J.
• Is Part Of: Addiction research & theory. Volume 23:Number 1(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Compulsive behavior -- Periodicals; Behavior, Addictive -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.3109/16066359.2014.926895
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1606-6359

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>We examined the ability of the Cannabis User Disorders Identification Test – Revised (CUDIT-R) to detect change in a treatment sample, including correlation with changes in other clinically relevant areas of functioning, and to determine reliable and clinically significant change thresholds. 133 cannabis-using patients taking part in a treatment trial for concurrent substance use and mood disorder were administered the 8-item CUDIT-R at baseline, 6 and 12 months, in addition to assessment of current cannabis use disorder, mood, alcohol use, motivation and employment status. Significant reductions in CUDIT-R scores were observed and were correlated with change in cannabis diagnosis, and improvement in mood. Higher motivation at baseline predicted greater reduction in CUDIT-R score. Reliable change was identified as occurring when CUDIT-R score changed by two or more, while clinically significant change, benchmarked against an increase or decrease of one DSM-IV cannabis dependence symptom, was equated to a CUDIT-R score changing by 3 or more points.</p> </abstract>