DSM categories of alcohol dependence, abuse, intoxication and withdrawal.

Essay by mambueUniversity, Master'sA-, February 2010

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According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000), a diagnosis of alcohol dependence (DSM-IV-TR code: 303.90) can be established when an individual has met three or more of the seven criteria associated with the disorder. The physiological aspects of alcohol dependence are associated with a much greater potential for medical problems such as acute alcohol withdrawal. The first criteria usually associated with alcohol dependence are tolerance and alcohol withdrawal. The remaining criteria usually are defined as behavioral and cognitive dimensions of alcohol dependence including: (1) impaired control when an individual consumes larger amounts of alcohol over longer periods of time than they intend to, and when persistent desires or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control drinking are not successful despite knowledge of a persistent recurrent physical or psychological problem, and (2) alcohol use becomes incredibly important to the individual, including spending a great deal of time drinking, recovering from its effects, or when important social and occupational activities are given up or reduced because of drinking.

These are all key criteria in the diagnosis of alcohol dependence.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000), the developmental path of such dependence if characterized by different phases: Early remission is used if of no criteria or fewer than three symptoms of alcohol dependence are present for at least one month, but less than 12 months. Sustained remission is referred to when either none or fewer than three symptoms of alcohol dependence are present for at least 12 months. Alcohol abuse (DSM-IV-TR code: 305.00) is defined as when an individual's drinking pattern has never met the criteria for alcohol dependence, but demonstrates a pattern of drinking that leads to a level of clinically...