Change in DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder Criteria Count and Severity Level as a Treatment Outcome Indicator: Results from a Randomized Trial.

Background: Most clinical trials evaluating treatments for alcohol use target individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD), but few address change in diagnostic status following treatment or as a potential outcome indicator. This study evaluated whether DSM-5 AUD total criteria count or severity category was sensitive to change over time and treatment effects.

Methods: Data were drawn from a randomized clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy of computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy program (CBT4CBT) for AUD.