Agreement between DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder among outpatients suffering from depressive and anxiety disorders

Am J Addict. 2017 Jan;26(1):53-56. doi: 10.1111/ajad.12482. Epub 2016 Dec 14.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Since significant differences have been reported, we estimated agreement between DSM-5 and DSM-IV criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods: We assessed 327 outpatients (mean age: 45.2 ± 13.4) with depressive or anxiety disorders.

Results: Absolute differences in prevalence rates between DSM-5 and DSM-IV AUD ranged from -1.1% (subjects with anxiety disorders) to +1.8% (tobacco smokers). The agreement was excellent (k = 0.88), also accounting for specific subgroups (relevant k coefficients >0.80).

Discussion and conclusions: DSM-5 criteria did not inflate AUD rates.

Scientific significance: Our results have epidemiological significance since, unlike previous reports, we found diagnostic stability between new and old AUD criteria in this clinical population. (Am J Addict 2017;26:53-56).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / complications
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Anxiety Disorders / complications
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatients / psychology*
  • Prevalence
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Young Adult