The SSAGA-IV interview enables researchers to assess for lifetime DSM-IV Alcohol Abuse, Alcohol Dependence, and PTSD as well as the ICD-10 equivalents. An algorithm harmonizing DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence with DSM-5 AUD enables researchers to apply the current diagnostic criteria to participants. The 11 symptoms for DSM-5 AUD were included in the LCA, with cutoff points of mild (two symptoms), moderate (three to six symptoms), and severe (seven or more symptoms) used to determine severity of the disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Additionally, information such as the age at which subjects first tried a full drink of an alcoholic beverage, age at which they first got drunk, age at which they first met criteria for AUD (if at all), and current AUD status were included for descriptive purposes.
