Dependence syndrome
August 17, 2023
A cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that may develop after repeated substance use. Typically, these phenomena include a strong desire to take the drug, impaired control over its use, persistent use despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and a physical withdrawal reaction when drug use is discontinued. In ICD-I0, the diagnosis of dependence syndrome is made if three or more of six specified criteria were experienced within a year.
