What are the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism?

Under DSM–IV, the diagnostic criteria for abuse and dependence were distinct: anyone meeting one or more of the “abuse” criteria (see items 1 through 4) within a 12-month period would receive the “abuse” diagnosis. read more

Diagnosis is the process of identifying and labeling specific conditions such as alcohol abuse or dependence (1). Diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence reflect the consensus of researchers as to precisely which patterns of behavior or physiological characteristics constitute symptoms of these conditions (1). read more

Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Dependence The American Psychiatric Association (AMA) uses slightly different terminology and definitions for disorders related to alcohol. The fourth edition of the AMA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) distinguishes between two types of alcohol-related issues: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. read more

Office of the Surgeon General (US); National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (US); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). The Surgeon General's Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking. Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2007. read more