Substance abuse criteria for addiction

• Risky use: Have you used the substance in ways that are dangerous to yourself and/or others, i.e., overdosed, driven while under the influence, or blacked out?
• Social or interpersonal problems related to using: Has Substance use caused relationship problems or conflicts with others?
• Neglected major responsibilities because of using: Have you failed to meet your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of substance use?
• Withdrawal: When you stop using the substance, do you experience withdrawal symptoms?
• Tolerance: Have you built up a tolerance to a substance so that you have to use more to get the same high?
• Used larger amounts for longer: Have you started to use larger amounts or use a substance for longer amounts of time?
• Repeated attempts to quit: Have you tried to cut back or quit entirely, but haven’t been successful and relapse?
• Much time spent using: Do you spend a lot of your time using the substance?
• Physical or psychological problems related to use: Has your substance use led to physical health problems, such as liver damage or lung cancer, or psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety?
• Stop activities you enjoyed: Have you skipped activities or stopped doing activities you once enjoyed to use the substance?
• Craving: Have you experienced addiction cravings for the substance?

What is DSM-V or Depersonalization Derealization disorder a.k.a. DSM V?

Depersonalization derealization disorder DSM V is a mental health condition in which the sufferer experiences recurrent depersonalization and/or derealisation. Depersonalization is when you feel detached from yourself. Derealisation is when you feel detached from your surroundings (APA, 2013). A diagnosis is made if these symptoms are persistent for at least one month and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning (DSM-5).

Many people briefly experience feelings similar to what sufferers of depersonalization derealization disorder DSM 5 may feel during extremely stressful situations. An example would be experiencing intense stress during exams time after previously studying long hours.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) was published on May 18, 2013, as a manual for diagnosing mental disorders. It is an update to DSM-IV TR which was published in 2000. The DSM-V contains the diagnostic criteria for all psychiatric disorders and replaces DSM-IV TR.

The DSM V has made many changes to its diagnoses and criteria for diagnosis from DSM IV-TR and earlier editions. Many of these changes were driven by findings from neuroscience research that showed the brain undergoes constant change throughout adulthood and that even small effects can lead to significant changes over time. This means the understanding of mental illness must also be understood as constantly evolving through life span development (APA, 2013).