An improved brief measure of cannabis misuse: the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R)

Abstract

Background: Cannabis is widely used and significant problems are associated with heavier consumption. When a cannabis misuse screening tool, the CUDIT, was originally published it was noted that although it performed well there was concern about individual items.

Methods: 144 patients enrolled in a clinical trial for concurrent depression and substance misuse were administered an expanded CUDIT, containing the original 10 items and 11 candidate replacement items. All patients were assessed for a current cannabis use disorder with the SCID.

Results: A revised CUDIT-R was developed containing 8 items, two each from the domains of consumption, cannabis problems (abuse), dependence, and psychological features. Although the psychometric adequacy of the original CUDIT was confirmed, the CUDIT-R was shorter and had equivalent or superior psychometric properties. High sensitivity (91%) and specificity (90%) were achieved.

Conclusions: The 8-item CUDIT-R has improved performance over the original scale and appears well suited to the task of screening for problematic cannabis use. It may also have potential as a brief routine outcome measure.