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substance dependence

in DSM–IV–TR, a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating continued use of a substance despite significant substance-related problems. There is a pattern of repeated substance ingestion resulting in tolerance, withdrawal symptoms if use is suspended, and an uncontrollable drive to continue use. DSM–IV–TR identifies 10 drug classes associated with dependence: alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidines, and sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics. Often used synonymously with the term addiction, substance dependence has been subsumed with substance abuse under the category substance use disorder in DSM–5 and is no longer considered a distinct diagnosis. Also called chemical dependence.

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Psychology term of the day

December 21st 2024

response set

response set

1. a tendency to answer questions in a systematic manner that is unrelated to their content. An example is the social desirability response set. See also response bias; response style. [first extensively discussed and studied by Lee J. Cronbach]

2. in sport, the tendency for an athlete to exhibit the same pattern of play in specific situations (e.g., always faking to the right before driving for the basket).