Substance Use Disorders

In this chapter, we present a framework for the assessment and diagnosis of substance use disorders (SUDs) with an emphasis on integrating a dimensional, multifaceted approach into the traditional categorical system that historically underlies most established diagnostic interviewing tools. Supplementing categorical diagnoses with dimensional tools allows for a more nuanced clinical picture than simply determining whether or not an individual meets criteria for an SUD. A dimensional approach may provide further information on the frequency and degree of use, associated impairment, and comorbid symptomatology. Using such information to supplement an SUD diagnosis can enable a more individualized treatment plan that targets the psychological underpinnings of substance use as well as the consequences of use. This chapter can be used as a clinical tool for the assessment of substance use at multiple stages (screening, diagnostic assessment and dimensional assessment), encompassing a broad scope beyond traditional methods of categorical diagnosis.