Should addictive disorders include non-substance-related conditions?

Addiction. 2006 Sep:101 Suppl 1:142-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01591.x.

Abstract

Aims: In anticipation of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), to consider whether addictive disorders should include non-substance use disorders.

Methods: The author reviewed data and provided perspective to explore whether disorders such as pathological gambling (PG) should be grouped together with substance dependence, given that they share many features.

Results: PG and substance dependence currently reside in the DSM, fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) within separate categories, with PG classified as an impulse control disorder (ICD) and substance dependence as a substance use disorder (SUD). Arguments can be forwarded to support each categorization, as well as to justify their inclusion together as addictions.

Conclusions: The current state of knowledge suggests that there exist substantial similarities between PG and SUDs. Further research is indicated prior to categorizing PG and other ICDs together with SUDs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology
  • Culture
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / complications
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / psychology
  • Gambling / psychology
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Personality
  • Research
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Substance-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents