Construct validity for alcohol dependence as indicated by the SUDDS-IV.

Objective: This study considers the diagnostic construct validity of the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-lV) for "alcohol dependence". Previous reports have indicated that "dependence" constitutes a more distinct and pronounced syndrome than "alcohol abuse".

Method: Data were collected in 2000-2001 on 1340 male and female inmates evaluated for "substance use disorders" using the SUDDS-IV, a detailed structured diagnostic interview, to collect data on all of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for "abuse" and "dependence".

Results: Dependent individuals tended to produce distinct and extensive symptom profiles that distinguished them from individuals without a diagnosis or those meeting abuse criteria.

Conclusions: Alcohol dependence as defined by the DSM-IV appears to be quite distinct from abuse and can be identified unequivocally for the majority of dependent cases.