These studies provided an important first look at the implications of the DSM-5 revision for the prevalence of AUD and its clinical profile. However, neither study compared the characteristics of individuals with abuse relative to those with moderate AUD, nor of those with dependence relative to those with severe AUD. Moreover, neither examined the differences under the DSM-IV and DSM-5 in alcohol treatment utilization or potentially related factors such as type of health insurance coverage, usual source of medical care, medical conditions, and responsibility for alcohol-related injuries. These comparisons are important for addressing concerns that the DSM-5 revision is inadequately tied to clinical practice and need for treatment. Accordingly, the primary objectives of this study were 1) to compare and assess the statistical significance of differences in past-year prevalence for DSM-IV and DSM-5 abuse/moderate AUD and dependence/severe AUD in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults; and 2) to compare and statistically test differences in sociodemographic and health characteristics, psychiatric and other substance use comorbidity, alcohol consumption, AUD severity and treatment utilization for individuals meeting the DSM-IV and DSM-5 diagnoses.
