Casey, Martina and Adamson, Gary and Shevlin, Mark and McKinney, Adele (2012) The role of craving in AUDs: dimensionality and differential functioning in the DSM-5. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 125, (1-2), pp. 75-80. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.03.019.
The dimensionality and the contribution of the proposed diagnostic criteria for the DSM-5 model of alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) which will provide guidelines for future diagnoses have not been examined in depth.
METHOD: Data from past year drinkers in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), Wave 2 (n=22 177) were analysed. Severity and discrimination of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was determined using a two-parameter logistic Item Response Theory model. Comparative analyses were conducted on the DSM-IV criteria. Differential functioning of the criteria across a number of socio-demographic variables was assessed.
RESULTS: The proposed criteria supported a unidimensional AUD model, with a factor loading range of 0.625-0.914 (craving=0.818). The model measured intermediate severity of AUDs with 'reduced time on important/pleasurable activities' and 'failure to meet major role obligations' criteria having the highest severity and discrimination. Craving, endorsed by 4.2% of the general population, was in the mid-range for both severity (sixth) and discrimination (seventh). Significant measurement bias was found on four criteria across socio-demographic subgroups.
CONCLUSIONS: Application of the proposed DSM-5 changes yields an improved one-factor model of AUD over the existing DSM-IV model. Inclusion of a craving criterion improves the application of the diagnostic criteria in a general population sample, covering a previously unrepresented problem area. Additionally, criteria measuring the milder end of the AUD continuum remain absent and some criteria exhibit measurement non-invariance. The AUD classification may require further refinement to enhance validity and reliability.
G Health and disease > Disorder classification (addiction)
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction) > Alcohol use disorder > Alcohol dependence
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction) > Alcohol use disorder > Alcohol withdrawal / craving
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Risk and needs assessment > Risk assessment
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Identification and screening > Identification and screening for substance use
VA Geographic area > International
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