Diagnosing addiction

• What classification system includes addiction as a mental disorder?

  International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10)
• When should a diagnosis of addiction be made according to ICD-10?

  If three or more characteristics are present
• What are the clinical characteristics of addiction according to ICD-10?

  • Strong desire to use the substance
  • Persisting despite known harm
  • Difficulty in controlling use
  • Higher priority given to the substance
  • Withdrawal symptoms if stopped
  • Evidence of tolerance
• What is a strong desire to use the substance classified as?

  A clinical characteristic of addiction
• What does it mean to persist in substance use despite known harm?

  Continuing use despite negative consequences
• What does difficulty in controlling use indicate?

  Inability to limit substance consumption
• What does giving a higher priority to the substance imply?

  Substance use takes precedence over other activities
• What are withdrawal symptoms?

  Physical or mental symptoms after stopping use
• What does evidence of tolerance mean in addiction?

  Needing more of the substance for the same effect
• How do the characteristics of addiction relate to each other?

  They collectively indicate a pattern of substance dependence
• What is the mnemonic to remember the six clinical characteristics?

  "Some People Don’t Prioritise Withdrawal Tolerance"
• What is the acronym to remember the six clinical characteristics?

  "CRAVET"
• What do the letters in the acronym stand for?

  C - Craving: strong desire to use the substance

  R - Risking: persisting despite known harm

  A - Attempts fail: difficulty controlling use

  V - Valued: higher priority given to the substance

  E - Effects of stopping: withdrawal symptoms

  T - Tolerance: needing more to achieve the same effect