In DSM-5-TR, what is the purpose of counting criteria for Substance Use Disorder?

• A. To determine eligibility for benefits
• B. To determine severity based on criteria met
• C. To diagnose mental illness
• D. To assess only physical dependence

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that DSM-5-TR uses a set of criteria to measure how much substance-related problems are affecting a person, and the number of criteria met determines how severe the disorder is. There are 11 criteria, and the level of severity is mild when 2–3 criteria are met, moderate with 4–5, and severe with 6 or more. This severity rating helps clinicians decide how intensive the treatment should be and what kind of support the person may need, reflecting that Substance Use Disorder exists on a continuum rather than a simple yes-or-no diagnosis. It’s not about eligibility for benefits, nor is it a blanket diagnosis of a mental illness by itself, and it isn’t limited to physical dependence—the criteria also capture impairment in daily functioning, risky use, cravings, and other behavioral factors.