Construct validity for alcohol dependence as indicated by the SUDDS-IV.
OBJECTIVE
This study considers the diagnostic construct validity of the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-lV) for "alcohol dependence". Previous reports have indicated that "dependence" constitutes a more distinct and pronounced syndrome than "alcohol abuse".


METHODS
Data were collected in 2000-2001 on 1340 male and female inmates evaluated for "substance use disorders" using the SUDDS-IV, a detailed structured diagnostic interview, to collect data on all of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for "abuse" and "dependence".


RESULTS
Dependent individuals tended to produce distinct and extensive symptom profiles that distinguished them from individuals without a diagnosis or those meeting abuse criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Alcohol dependence as defined by the DSM-IV appears to be quite distinct from abuse and can be identified unequivocally for the majority of dependent cases.
Hoffmann
Norman G
NG
Evince Clinical Assessments, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917, USA. evinceassessment@aol.com
Hoffmann
Tyson D
TD
D000328:Adult; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires