Moderate substance use disorder corresponds to meeting how many DSM criteria?

Moderate substance use disorder corresponds to meeting how many DSM criteria?

• A. 1-2 DSM criteria
• B. 3-4 DSM criteria
• C. 4-5 DSM criteria
• D. 6-11 DSM criteria

Answer: (C)

Moderate substance use disorder is defined by meeting four to five of the DSM-5 criteria. The DSM-5 uses 11 possible criteria, and a diagnosis requires at least two criteria. The severity is then categorized as mild (2–3), moderate (4–5), or severe (6 or more). So meeting four or five criteria indicates a level of impairment and symptoms that’s greater than mild but not yet at the threshold for severe. Examples of criteria include using larger amounts or for longer than intended, spending a lot of time obtaining or recovering from use, craving, failure to fulfill major role obligations, continuing to use despite interpersonal or social problems, giving up important activities, use in hazardous situations, tolerance, withdrawal, and related concerns.

Moderate substance use disorder is defined by meeting four to five of the DSM-5 criteria. The DSM-5 uses 11 possible criteria, and a diagnosis requires at least two criteria. The severity is then categorized as mild (2–3), moderate (4–5), or severe (6 or more). So meeting four or five criteria indicates a level of impairment and symptoms that’s greater than mild but not yet at the threshold for severe. Examples of criteria include using larger amounts or for longer than intended, spending a lot of time obtaining or recovering from use, craving, failure to fulfill major role obligations, continuing to use despite interpersonal or social problems, giving up important activities, use in hazardous situations, tolerance, withdrawal, and related concerns.