competing hypothesis regarding why key SUD symptoms correlate with each other. Factor mixture models combine these latent factor and latent class approaches while circumventing the limitations of each31. In principle, this hybrid modeling strategy may fit diagnostic data better and, if so, provide a superior measurement and classification for SUDs. Tests comparing these competing approaches have so far revealed that, for substances like cannabis, a single latent factor remains the optimal means of assessing overall risk when measured by use, abuse, dependence and withdrawal criteria33.
