Comparison of Substance Abuse Diagnoses Based on Adolescent Self-report with Independent Psychologists' using Criteria from DSM-IV-TR

Abstract

With the recent rise in adolescent drug abuse, the need for effective treatment programs has increased. In order to provide sufficient treatment, substance use diagnoses have to be accurate. Self-report of substance use is often used to assess the severity of use and assist in diagnosis. The current study investigated the reliability between independent licensed mental health professionals? polysubstance and cannabis abuse diagnoses prior to residents? admission into a residential treatment facility and the residents? self-reported substance use shortly after being admitted.