TERMINOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON THE ADDICTION CONCEPT REGARDING THE NEW DSM-V

Abstract

While there are many working definitions of addiction, the essence of the construct is still not clear. Recognizing the semantic problems, it was already suggested by the autors that, while seeking a strict operational definition, one should also keep in mind that the comparison of different study results with different methodological methods is bound to be problematic. DSM-5 has now arrived. It is critical to recognize that addictive disease itself has not changed with this new publication. The disease is what it was. We may use different terminology, as “abuse» is now gone, and “dependence» has returned to its pharmacologic roots where it will again refer to the development of tolerance and withdrawal. We applaud DSM-5 for using the term “addictive disorders» within its overall framework. However, also the new definition of addictive disorders within the DSMV raises more problems than solutions.