Table 2.

Addictive disorder criteria according to Goodman (1990).

A. Recurrent failure to resist impulses to engage in a specified behavior

B. Increasing sense of tension immediately prior the initiation of behavior

C. Pleasure or relief at the time of engaging in the behavior

D. A feeling of a lack of control while engaging in the behavior

E. At least five of the following:

1. Frequent preoccupation with the behavior or preparatory activities

2. Frequent engaging in the behavior to a greater extent or over a longer period than intended

3. Repeated efforts to reduce, control, or stop the behavior

4. A great deal of time spent in activities necessary for the behavior, engaging in the behavior, or recovering from its effects

5. Frequent engaging in the behavior when expected to fulfill occupational, academic, domestic, or social obligations

6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of the behavior

7. Continuation of the behavior despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, financial, psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by the behavior

8. Tolerance: need to increase the intensity or frequency of the behavior in order to achieve the desired effect or diminished effect with continued behavior of the same intensity

9. Restlessness or irritability if unable to engage in the behavior

F. Some symptoms of the disturbance have persisted for at least 1 month or have occurred repeatedly over a longer period of time

To reach the categorical diagnosis of addictive disorder according to Goodman (1990), criteria A–D plus criterion E (five among nine symptoms) must be met for at least 1 month.