DSM-V versus DSM-IV
The DSM–IV labeled two specific disorders, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, with distinct standards apiece. The DSM–V assimilates the two DSM–IV diagnoses’, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, into a solitary ailment called alcohol use disorder (AUD); with mild, moderate, and severe sub-classifications. Under DSM–IV, the analytical measures for abuse and dependence remained separate. For example, an individual reporting one or more of the “abuse” criteria within a 12-month period would receive the “abuse” diagnosis. And an individual with three or more of the “dependence” standards throughout the same 12-month period would obtain a “dependence” diagnosis. Under DSM–V, an individual reporting any two of the 11 measures through the same calendar year period would have a diagnosis of an AUD. The intensity of an alcohol use disorder continues to be grounded on the amount of criteria met.