What significant change was made to the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder in the DSM-5?

The correct choice highlights a key modification in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), regarding substance use disorder criteria. Specifically, the inclusion of craving as a criterion acknowledges the psychological aspect of addiction, where an individual experiences a strong desire or urge to use the substance. This factor is essential in understanding the compulsion associated with substance use.

Furthermore, the DSM-5 streamlined the criteria to focus more on clinical significance rather than legal issues that were previously emphasized in earlier editions. By placing less emphasis on current legal problems, the DSM-5 aims to refine the diagnostic process, ensuring it aligns more closely with the individual’s mental state and functional impairment rather than solely external consequences.

This evolution reflects a growing understanding of substance use disorders as multifaceted conditions requiring a comprehensive assessment that considers emotional, psychological, and behavioral components. The incorporation of craving facilitates a deeper understanding of the disorder, assisting clinicians in providing more targeted and effective treatment strategies.