Diagnosis, Comorbidity, and Psychopathology of Substance-Related Disorders

Abstract This chapter describes substance use disorders (SUDs) beginning with the categorical diagnostic categories and the identified etiological risk factors for developing SUDs before moving to the various outcomes among those with SUDs, including comorbid psychopathology. Alcohol use disorder is the most common SUD and, as such, is a focal point of this chapter, although the authors also describe the growing literature related to other SUDs and comorbidities. The chapter represents a biopsychosocial understanding of SUDs, which recognizes that the factors contributing to the onset of SUDs must reflect the complexity of the disorders and include biological underpinnings (e.g., genetic predispositions and physiological factors), psychological contributions (e.g., psychopathology that may contribute to and exacerbate SUDs), and social factors (e.g., peer influences and early life stressors) that influence the heterogenous etiological pathways and symptom profiles of patients with SUDs.