The RAFFT as a screening tool for adolescent substance use disorders

The objective of this study was to measure the sensitivity and Specificity of the RAFFT, a screening instrument for problematic adolescent substance u se. Two hundred and twenty-six adolescent patients, aged 13 to 18, who were referred to an emergency room or an ambulatory evaluation clinic were incl uded Patients answered the five questions of the RAFFT before a comprehensi ve psychiatric assessment teas completed. Diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV. The best results were obtained with two positive answers on the RAF FT: a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 69% in the screening for subs tance abuse or dependence. The, RAFFT performed well in this highly, select ed patient population.