[The concept and diagnosis of addiction. New trends in the terminology of addictive syndromes]

Abstract

The terms addiction, dependence, tolerance and abuse are not interchangeable and cannot be used as synonyms. Two types of addictions, chemical and behaviour addictions, have similar cycles, but the "pull" type mechanisms are more characteristic of the chemical addictions and the "push" type mechanisms of the behaviour addictions. Among the integrative, complex conceptual models, the definitions of the WHO model are most in harmony with the latest research findings, although this model too is in need of revision on several points. The modern diagnostic systems are polythetic; they advance beyond the principle of "all or nothing" and despite their shortcomings they can be used effectively in clinical practice. Aspirations in the direction of both expanding and restricting the concept addiction can be observed.