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opioid abuse

in DSM–IV–TR, a pattern of opioid use marked by recurrent significant adverse consequences related to the repeated ingestion of an opioid such as morphine, heroin, or substances with morphinelike effects (e.g., codeine, oxycodone). This diagnosis is preempted by the diagnosis of opioid dependence: If the criteria for opioid abuse and opioid dependence are both met, only the latter diagnosis is given. In DSM–5, however, both have been subsumed into opioid use disorder and are no longer considered distinct diagnoses. See also substance abuse.

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Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

acuity grating

acuity grating

a stimulus used to measure an individual’s sharpness of visual perception. It consists of alternating black and white lines spaced closely together; the point at which the participant perceives the lines to be homogeneous gives an indication of visual acuity. When the contrast of the lines is varied, the acuity grating can be used to test contrast sensitivity.