How is Substance abuse classified under the DSM-IV?
In the DSM-IV, Substance abuse is classified under "Substance-Related Disorders". This category encompasses a wide range of disorders related to the use of substances, including drugs and alcohol. Substance abuse is one of the four Substance-Related Disorders, alongside Substance Dependence, Substance Intoxication, and Substance Withdrawal. Here are the diagnostic criteria for Substance Abuse according to the DSM-IV:
A. A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one (or more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
1. Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household)
2. Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving under the influence, operating machinery while impaired, engaging in unprotected sex while impaired)
3. Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for driving under the influence, public intoxication)
4. Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the substance use (e.g., arguments with spouse about substance use, physical fights)
B. The symptoms causing distress or impairment do not meet the criteria for substance dependence for the same substance.
The DSM-IV also provides additional diagnostic criteria specific to each substance, including alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics; opioids; cocaine; hallucinogens; phencyclidine (PCP) or other arylcyclohexylamines; cannabis; or other substances not elsewhere specified.
It's important to note that the DSM-IV is an older classification system, and several revisions have been made since then. The current diagnostic manual, the DSM-5, provides updated criteria and classifications for substance-related disorders.