Chapter 11: Substance Related Disorders

PSYCH245 - Psychopathology

psychoactive substance

chemical compound that alters mood and/or behavior

Disorder is used in the DSM-5 as opposed to use because use is

moderate amounts with no significant interference with function

amount consumed is not included in diagnostic criteria because

people can respond to the same amounts differently

The word “addiction” is not in the DSM-5 because

it has a negative connotation

General Diagnostic Criteria (1)

Substance is taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.

General Diagnostic Criteria (2)

Persistent desire or Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.

General Diagnostic Criteria (3)

Lots of time spent in activities related to acquiring the substance or using or recovering from its effects

General Diagnostic Criteria (4)

Craving or a strong desire or urge to the substance (newly added to the DSM-5); more likely to relapse.

Social Impairment Criteria (1)

Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations (e.g. work, school, home → not picking up your kids from daycare because you are getting the drugs).

Social Impairment Criteria (2)

Continued use despite persistent social/inpterpresonal problems caused/exacerbated by the substance

Social Impairment Criteria (3)

Important social, occupation, or recreational activities are fiven up or reduced because of substance use

Social Impairment Criteria (4)

Recurrent use in situations where it is physically dangerous

Social Impairment Criteria (5)

Continued use despite persisted physical or psychological problems related to substance use.

Physiological Impairment Criteria (1)

tolerance; need to use much more to get desired effect OR less effect than used to get from the same amount of substance

Physiological Impairment Criteria (2)

withdrawal; withdrawal symptoms from the substance (or related substance) OR use of of the substance to avoid/relieve withdrawal symptoms

Alcohol is a depressant that

slows brain activity and reduces arousal and reactivity