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Professional Technical IVT

opioid use disorder

Also written as: OUD

Clinical diagnosis characterized by problematic pattern of opioid use leading to significant impairment or distress.

Full Definition

Opioid use disorder is a medical condition defined by DSM-5 criteria as a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Diagnosis requires at least two of eleven specified criteria within a 12-month period, including tolerance, withdrawal, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, craving, and continued use despite harmful consequences. The disorder is classified as mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5 criteria), or severe (6+ criteria). This diagnosis replaced the previous DSM-IV categories of 'opioid abuse' and 'opioid dependence.'

Usage

Usage note: Use 'opioid use disorder' rather than outdated terms 'addiction,' 'abuse,' or 'dependence' in clinical documentation.

In Context

  • "The patient met DSM-5 criteria for severe opioid use disorder with physiological features." — diagnostic assessment
  • "Treatment for opioid use disorder should include both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions." — clinical guideline

Also known as

OUD opioid addiction

Don't confuse with

opioid dependence opioid abuse

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