Two recent studies examined the impact of the DSM-5 proposed revision on the prevalence of AUD in the general population. In a study based on the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being, the past-year prevalence of DSM-IV abuse or dependence was considerably lower than that of DSM-5 AUD, 6.0% versus 9.7% (Mewton et al., 2011). Findings indicated that 56.2% of the DSM-IV abuse cases would be retained in DSM-5 moderate AUD and that 69.2% of the DSM-IV dependence cases would be retained in DSM-5 severe AUD. This study focused on the dimensionality of AUD, which was very similar under the DSM-IV and DSM-5, but it did not compare profiles of individuals with DSM-IV and DSM-5 disorders.
