Many trials of naltrexone have been carried out in alcohol-dependent patients. This paper is aimed to systematically review its benefits, adverse eff

The present study was aimed at exploring the prevalence and factor structure of methamphetamine (MA) psychotic symptoms. The data were obtained from

Objective: The aim of this study was to create a short, reliable and valid questionnaire for the evaluation of amphetamine withdrawal, which we shall call the Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire (AWQ). Method: Items of the AWQ included in this study were based on the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and a comprehensive review. A field trial for assessing the reliability, validity and factor structure was conducted in outpatients and inpatients with amphetamine withdrawal. Results: Thirty and 102 patients’ data were included in the reliability-validity tests and the factor study, respectively. Due to the very low mean score of insomnia item, this item was excluded from subsequent analyses. The AWQ internal consistency was satisfactory with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.77. For test-retest reliability, a Spearman rank order correlation coefficient of the AWQ total score was 0.79. The AWQ total score for criterion validity was moderately correlated with the other two accepted measures. Principal component analysis, eigenvalue-one test and a varimax rotation performed to elicit the factors of AWQ yielded a three-factor model of AWQ: namely hyperarousal, reversed vegetative and anxiety factors. Conclusions: The AWQ is a short, reliable and valid measure for assessing amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Further studies with a larger number of patients should be conducted to confirm the results of this factor analysis.