PSYCHIATRIC-SYMPTOMS IN POLYSUBSTANCE ABUSERS - RELATIONSHIP TO RACE,SEX, AND AGE

The Symptom Check List 90R (SCL-90R) was administered to a sample of 9 4 polysubstance abusers seeking outpatient detoxification for opioid a ddiction. The relationships among race, sex, and age, and psychiatric symptoms were examined. Results obtained by an ANOVA indicated a signi ficant effect only for race. White substance abusers reported signific antly more psychiatric symptoms (on 9 out of 12 SCL-90R scales) than d id Black substance abusers. A comparison of effect sizes between those found in the present study and those of related studies is also prese nted. Results suggest that race differences may be relevant to treatme nt resource and treatment planning.