Agreement between DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder among outpatients suffering from depressive and anxiety disorders

Background and ObjectivesSince significant differences have been reported, we estimated agreement between DSM-5 and DSM-IV criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD). MethodsWe assessed 327 outpatients (mean age: 45.213.4) with depressive or anxiety disorders. ResultsAbsolute differences in prevalence rates between DSM-5 and DSM-IV AUD ranged from -1.1% (subjects with anxiety disorders) to +1.8% (tobacco smokers). The agreement was excellent (k=0.88), also accounting for specific subgroups (relevant k coefficients >0.80). Discussion and ConclusionsDSM-5 criteria did not inflate AUD rates. Scientific SignificanceOur results have epidemiological significance since, unlike previous reports, we found diagnostic stability between new and old AUD criteria in this clinical population. (Am J Addict 2017;26:53-56)