Current proposals for the upcoming fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) include several changes to the criteria used to assess alcohol problems. First, the current structure, which consists of two diagnoses (alcohol abuse [AA] and alcohol dependence [AD]), would be collapsed into a single construct, alcohol use disorder (AUD) (see below). Second, the AA criterion concerning legal problems would be removed. Third, a criterion addressing craving would be added. The rationales behind these changes are described in detail on the DSM-5 website (www.dsm5.org). These proposed changes could potentially result in a qualitatively different diagnosis. Diagnoses derived using different criteria might also differ etiologically, which could have treatment and prevention implications. Empirical assessment of the proposed changes can help us understand substantive differences across the diagnoses.
