Characteristics of the behaviour

• what is one way psychologists diagnose addictions?

  by using the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Illness (DSM-5th edition)
• the DSM contains 10 categories of substance that can cause addiction. these are:

  • alcohol

  • caffeine

  • cannabis

  • hallucinogens

  • inhalants

  • opioids

  • sedatives

  • stimulants

  • tobacco

  • “other”
• in addition to substances, the DSM also recognises the behaviour of what?

  gambling, as a distinct addiction
• other behaviours such as internet gaming, exercise, shopping, and sex are noted as possible excessive behavioural patterns, but are not included at this time due to the lack of the peer-reviewed evidence required to establish the diagnostic criteria to define them as distinct mental disorders
• the disorders described are broadly split into two categories

  • substance use disorders

  • substance induced disorders
• what are substance use disorders?


  addiction - we are interested only in substance use disorders
• what are substance induced disorders?

  problems that arise from substance use, such as intoxication, withdrawal, or substance induced mental disorders
• all addictions produce an intense activation of the brain’s reward centres - the way in which different drugs affect the brain vary, but they typically activate the pleasure systems of the brain and give a ‘high’
• the essential feature of a substance use disorder is a cluster of cognitive, behavioural and biological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance related problems
• substance use disorders can range from mild to moderate to severe, with severity based on the number and duration of symptoms
• to be diagnosed with a disorder a patient must be present with

  • 2-3 symptoms for mild addiction

  • 4-5 symptoms for moderate addiction

  • 6 or more symptoms for a severe addiction
• criteria for diagnosis: 1

  the individual may take the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than was originally intended
• criteria for diagnosis 2


  the individual may express a persistent desire to cut down or regulate substance use and may report multiple unsuccessful efforts to decrease or discontinue use
• criteria for diagnosis 3

  the individual may spend a great deal of time obtaining the substance, using the substance, or recovering from its effects
• criteria for diagnosis 4

  craving is manifested by an intense desire or urge for the drug that may occur at anytime
• criteria for diagnosis 5

  recurrent substance use may result in a failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school, or home
• criteria for diagnosis 6

  the individual may continue substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance
• criteria for diagnosis 7

  important social, occupational, or recreational activities may be given up or reduced because of substance use
• criteria for diagnosis 8

  recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physic hazardous
• criteria for diagnosis 9

  the individual may continue substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance
• criteria for diagnosis 10

  tolerance is signalled by requiring a markedly increased dose of the substance to achieve the desired effect or a markedly reduced effect when the usual dose is consumed
• criteria for diagnosis 11

  withdrawal symptoms are present upon ceasing to consume the substance
• the diagnosis of a specific substance use disorder will follow these 11 criteria but are made applicable to the particular substance being abused
• what is another way psychologists diagnose addictions?

  by using the 6 criteria suggested by Mark Griffiths (2005)
• what is the first criteria?

  salience: when the activity becomes the most important thing in a person’s life - dominates their thoughts, feelings + behaviour
• what is the second criteria?

  mood modification: the behaviour causes a change in mood e.g. a ‘high’/buzz or numbness/escapism
• what is the third criteria?

  tolerance: as time goes on they need more of the behaviour or drug to satisfy them
• what is the fourth criteria?

  withdrawal symptoms: if the behaviour is stopped they will get withdrawal symptoms physically (I.e. insomnia) or psychologically
• what is the fifth criteria?

  conflict: between themselves or friends and family or by compromising their job or relationships
• what is the sixth criteria?

  relapse: addicts have a tendency to return to the behaviour if they give it up even after years of successful treatment