Aproximaciones metodológicas en la investigación nosológica del trastorno por uso de sustancias

Abstract

Introduction

Research on nosology of substance use disorders has been increased in recent years. New statistical and psychometric models are providing new ways to understand these disorders.

Objective

The aim of this work is providing the main results from a review concerning the application of these models to Substance Use Disorders.

Method

A review was conducted in PubMed and PsycInfo with completion in March 2012. Keywords used: ‘nosology’, ‘dimensionality’ and ‘factorial structure’ with different substances.

Results

Studies challenge the categorical system for diagnosis, recognizing the existence of different severity profiles. Moreover, the empirical evidence supports a continuum of substance use disorders, whit abuse and dependence criteria included.

Conclusions

Empirical evidence supports modifications in the diagnosis process of Substance Use Disorders for DSM-V. Such changes should also be considered regarding to their applicability in the clinical setting.