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.