The current study examines differences in DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence criteria functioning by gender and by DUI history using an item response theory (IRT) approach. Previous studies using this approach have found differences in measurement characteristics of abuse and dependence criteria by gender (Harford et al., 2009; Kahler and Strong, 2006; Nichol et al., 2007; Saha et al., 2006), treatment group (Wu et al., 2009), and sample ascertainment method (i.e., clinical, adjudicated, or population-based; Gelhorn et al., 2008). Investigating the measurement characteristics of DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence criteria in individuals with DUIs will contribute to the evaluation of screening instruments used in this population and also to understanding the functioning of these criteria in a high-risk population.
