Factor and item-response analysis DSM-IV criteria for abuse of and dependence on cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, sedatives, stimulants and opioids
Addiction, Volume 102 Issue 6 Page 920-930 - June 2007
http://digbig.com/4syxd
Nathan A. Gillespie, Michael C. Neale, Carol A. Prescott, Steven H. Aggen, Kenneth S. Kendler
"Conclusions: Because individual criteria performed very differently across substances in IRT analyses, the assumption that these items are measuring equivalent levels of severity or liability with the same discrimination across different substances is unsustainable. Compared to other drugs, cocaine usage is associated with more detrimental effects and negative consequences, whereas the effects of cannabis and hallucinogens appear to be less harmful. Implications for other drug classes are discussed."
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