The factor structure of the DSM-III-R and ICD-10 concepts of alcohol dependence

This paper describes the factor structure of the concept of alcohol dependence as proposed in two psychiatric classifications, the DSM-III-R and the ICD-10. Subjects are 219 men and 162 women who were interviewed while in treatment for alcohol-related problems in nine different treatment programs in Contra Costa county, California. Tests of hypotheses supporting a single factor and a dual factor structure of dependence were rejected by confirmatory factor analysis. Results from exploratory factor analysis show a four factor structure for the concept of dependence in DSM-III-R. For ICD-10 there is a four factor solution among men and a three factor solution among women. The item composition of these factors vary by gender and across the two classifications. However, there is good agreement between dependence as measured by DSM-III-R and ICD-10 criteria. Since work on DSM-IV is now under way, the present research aims to provide some empirical base for how future changes should be made.