The present analysis evaluates the empirical evidence for the addition of craving using these analytic methods. We had four aims. (1) To conduct a factor analysis of the existing DSM-IV criteria with and without craving. (2) To conduct IRT analyses to examine the severity and discrimination of alcohol abuse/dependence criteria and a craving criterion and evaluate the changes to the total discriminatory ability and severity of the set of total set criteria regarding the latent trait of alcohol problems once craving is included as an additional criterion. (3) To evaluate the concurrent validity of craving by assessing the clinical characteristics of DSM-IV alcohol dependent individuals with and without alcohol craving. (4) To evaluate the concurrent validity of craving by constructing alternative versions of AUD diagnoses with and without craving and assess the associations between these alternatives and known risk factors for alcohol use disorders.
