with caution. Second, existing IRT analyses of DSM-IV criteria have indicated the need for new criteria that capture the less severe end of the diagnostic spectrum (Li et al., 2007a, b, Martin et al., 2006, Martin et al., 2008, Saha et al., 2006, Saha et al., 2007); craving does not serve this purpose, as it is on the high end of the severity spectrum. Finally, datasets that were expensive to assemble (e.g., epidemiologic, genetic or multi-site clinical trials) and have not assessed craving would be unable to generate strict DSM-diagnoses if craving is included. It should be noted, however, that because of the high cohesion of alcohol abuse/dependence criteria with craving, the latent variable is likely still well-represented whether or not craving is included in a particular dataset. The use of a dimensional, psychometric approach to the assessment and diagnosis of alcohol problems (e.g., equating [Embretson & Reise, 2000]) may be beneficial for research and clinical practice if craving is included in the DSM-V.
