Which of the following is a DSM-5 criterion for substance dependence?

Which of the following is a DSM-5 criterion for substance dependence?

• A. Tolerance
• B. Withdrawal syndrome
• C. Substance taken in larger amounts/longer than intended
• D. Recurrent substance-related legal problems

Answer: (D)

DSM-5 evaluates substance-related disorders using a set of 11 possible criteria, and diagnosing a substance use disorder requires meeting two or more of these criteria within a year. Tolerance and withdrawal are explicitly listed as criteria, and so is taking the substance in larger amounts or for a longer period than intended. In DSM-5, the old category of “dependence” is now part of Substance Use Disorder with varying severity, rather than a separate diagnosis. Recurrent legal problems used to be considered a criterion in DSM-IV for some presentations, but they are not a criterion in DSM-5. So among the options, the first three reflect actual DSM-5 criteria, while the legal problems item does not.

DSM-5 evaluates substance-related disorders using a set of 11 possible criteria, and diagnosing a substance use disorder requires meeting two or more of these criteria within a year. Tolerance and withdrawal are explicitly listed as criteria, and so is taking the substance in larger amounts or for a longer period than intended. In DSM-5, the old category of “dependence” is now part of Substance Use Disorder with varying severity, rather than a separate diagnosis. Recurrent legal problems used to be considered a criterion in DSM-IV for some presentations, but they are not a criterion in DSM-5. So among the options, the first three reflect actual DSM-5 criteria, while the legal problems item does not.