Despite these limitations, this study demonstrated, in a large, nationally representative sample, important aspects of the clinical characteristics of AUD for two versions of the DSM. On the whole, the similarities in profiles of DSM-IV and DSM-5 AUD far outweighed the differences. However, clinicians may face some changes with respect to appropriate screening and referral for cases at the milder end of the AUD severity spectrum, and in terms of the extent to which these will be reimbursed. That is, the implications of the revision appear to be far more serious for screening and brief intervention than for intensive alcohol treatment.
