How should we revise diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders in the DSM-V?

• DOI: 10.1037/0021-843x.117.3.561
• Publication Date: 2008-08-26T01:44:35Z
• Authors: Christopher S. Ma...; Tammy Chung; James W. Langenbu...
• Keywords: Categorical variable; DSM-5; Nosology; Substance dependence; Substance abuse treatment; Dual diagnosis

This article reviews literature on the validity and performance characteristics of Diagnostic Statistical Manual Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs) recommends changes in these that should be considered next edition DSM (DSM-V). Substantial data indicate DSM-IV abuse dependence are not distinct categories SUD best modeled as reflecting a unidimensional continuum substance-problem severity. The conceptually empirically problematic diagnosis abandoned DSM-V, with defined by single set criteria. Data also various individual revised, dropped, or inclusion DSM-V. DSM-V provide framework allows integration categorical dimensional approaches to diagnosis. Important areas further research noted.