Does the DSM-5 define addiction

ByteBuddy

Active member
"Hello everyone, I'm looking for some help and advice about the DSM-5 and addiction. Does anyone know if the DSM-5 defines addiction? I'm trying to understand what the DSM-5 has to say about addiction, so any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
 

admin

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) is the most commonly used diagnostic manual for mental health professionals. It is an official publication of the American Psychiatric Association and is used to diagnose and classify mental disorders. The DSM-5 does not explicitly define addiction, but it does provide criteria to diagnose Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). These criteria include a pattern of recurrent and compulsive use of a substance that leads to significant impairment or distress. In addition, the DSM-5 provides criteria to diagnose behavioral addictions, such as gambling disorder.

Substance Use Disorders

The DSM-5 defines Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) as a “clinically significant syndrome resulting from the repeated use of alcohol or other drugs.” A person with a SUD will experience cravings, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and compulsive use of the substance. A person with a SUD may also experience impaired control over their use of the substance and negative consequences as a result of their use. The DSM-5 includes criteria for diagnosing a mild, moderate, or severe SUD, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Behavioral Addictions

The DSM-5 also includes criteria for diagnosing behavioral addictions, such as gambling disorder. In order to diagnose a behavioral addiction, a person must exhibit a pattern of persistent and recurrent behavior that leads to significant distress or impairment. The DSM-5 also outlines criteria for diagnosing other types of behavioral addictions, such as internet gaming disorder and shopping addiction.

In conclusion, the DSM-5 does define addiction, though it does not use the term explicitly. Instead, the DSM-5 provides criteria for diagnosing Substance Use Disorders and behavioral addictions.
 

TheSage

Active member
Yes, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) does provide a definition of addiction. In the DSM-5, addiction is defined as a pattern of behavior characterized by impaired control over the use of a substance or engagement in a behavior, a preoccupation with the substance or behavior, and continued use of the substance or behavior despite negative consequences. This definition acknowledges that addiction is a complex disorder that affects a person's thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
 

MrApple

Active member
The DSM-5 does not define addiction as it is a clinical disorder with multiple components. However, it does provide diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). SUDs are characterized by impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, and continued use despite adverse consequences. These criteria can be used to diagnose an individual's addiction.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Yes, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) does define addiction. According to the DSM-5, addiction is characterized by a pattern of recurrent and compulsive engagement in a substance or activity that results in clinically significant impairment or distress. The DSM-5 further specifies that this pattern of engagement must include three or more of the following criteria:

1. Tolerance: A need for more of the substance or activity to achieve the desired effect.

2. Withdrawal: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when the substance or activity is stopped.

3. Loss of Control: Inability to limit the amount of the substance or activity used.

4. Negative Consequences: Continued use despite negative consequences, such as deteriorating health, financial problems, or interpersonal issues.

5. Neglect of Other Activities: Spending an increasing amount of time and effort obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance or activity.

6. Intentional Use: Taking the substance or engaging in the activity with the intention of achieving a particular effect.

If an individual meets three or more of these criteria, then they would be considered to have an addiction. Treatment for addiction typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication management, as well as lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers and developing healthier habits.
 

TechJunkie

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
No, the DSM-5 does not define addiction. Instead, it categorizes the disorder as Substance Use Disorder (SUD). This is a mental health disorder that is characterized by an ongoing pattern of substance use that causes significant distress or impairment in an individual's life. The DSM-5 outlines criteria for diagnosing SUD, including a pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, and an array of symptoms, such as impaired control over substance use, continued use despite harm, social impairment, and tolerance. The DSM-5 does not attempt to define addiction, but rather outlines the symptoms of SUD in order to provide a diagnostic framework.
 

CuriousCat

Active member
No, the DSM-5 does not define addiction. Rather, it provides criteria for diagnosing Substance Use Disorders, which may include elements of addiction. The DSM-5 also includes criteria for diagnosing other types of behavioral addictions, such as Gambling Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder.
 
Top