Drug use and validity of substance use self-reports in veterans seeking help for posttraumatic stress disorder

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2000 Oct;68(5):923-7.

Abstract

The present study assessed drug use and the validity of self-reports of substance use among help-seeking veterans referred to a specialty clinic for the assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients (n = 341) were asked to provide a urine sample for use in drug screening as part of an evaluation of PTSD. Self-reports of substance use were compared with same-day supervised urine samples for 317 patients who volunteered to participate in a drug screening. Results suggested that self-reports were generally quite valid. Only 8% of the cases involved patients not reporting substance use detected by urine screens. A total of 42% of the participants were identified as using drugs of abuse (excluding alcohol) through self-report and urine drug screens. Among participants using drugs, PTSD diagnosis was significantly associated with greater marijuana and depressant use as compared with stimulant (cocaine and amphetamines) use.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cannabinoids / urine
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / urine
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / urine
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Hallucinogens / urine
  • Hospitals, Veterans
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / urine
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • North Carolina
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Substance Abuse Detection / methods*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / urine*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Veterans / psychology*

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Hallucinogens
  • Illicit Drugs