According to the DSM-5 criteria, how many criteria indicate a mild substance use disorder?

According to the DSM-5 criteria, how many criteria indicate a mild substance use disorder?

• A. 1-2 criteria
• B. 2-3 criteria
• C. 4-5 criteria
• D. 6-7 criteria

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that DSM-5 uses a single Substance Use Disorder with severity based on how many criteria are met within a 12-month period. Mild substance use disorder is diagnosed when 2 to 3 of the DSM-5 criteria are met. There are 11 possible criteria overall; meeting 4–5 is moderate and 6 or more is severe. This approach captures a range of impairment rather than separating categories like “abuse” or “dependence.”

The main idea is that DSM-5 uses a single Substance Use Disorder with severity based on how many criteria are met within a 12-month period. Mild substance use disorder is diagnosed when 2 to 3 of the DSM-5 criteria are met. There are 11 possible criteria overall; meeting 4–5 is moderate and 6 or more is severe. This approach captures a range of impairment rather than separating categories like “abuse” or “dependence.”