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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2017 Feb 1.
Published in final edited form as: J Consult Clin Psychol. 2015 Oct 26;84(2):113–121. doi: 10.1037/ccp0000064

Table 1. Caffeine Use Disorder Criteria.

Criteria Description DSM-IV-TR Criteria DSM-5 Criteria Endorsed
Tolerance
  1. Compared to first regular caffeine use, have to use at least twice as many caffeinated beverages, or the same number of beverages that were at least twice as strong, to get the same effect, or

  2. Compared to first regular caffeine use, now get half or less than half of the effect.

X X 75%
Withdrawal
  1. Experiencing any of the three classic withdrawal symptoms (headache, fatigue, or drowsiness) when abstaining from caffeine, or

  2. Used caffeine or a similar substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms

X X 97%
Caffeine is taken in larger amounts or over longer periods of time than intended Using caffeine in larger amounts or over longer periods of time than wanted or intended, for example, intending to consume only one cup of coffee but consuming three or more; or intending to consume four cups but consuming six. X X 43%
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down
  1. A strong desire to stop, control, or cut down caffeine at least on a monthly basis in the last year, or

  2. Has unsuccessfully tried to stop, control, or cut down caffeine in the past.

X X 91%
Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from caffeine effects Spending at least 20 minutes per day obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of caffeine. X X 70%
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of caffeine Caffeine consumption resulted in a clinically significant reduction or loss in important social, occupational, or recreational activities. X 10%
Caffeine is used despite knowledge of persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems Caffeine use continues despite physical or psychological problems believed to be caused or exacerbated by caffeine. X X 91%
Caffeine use persisted despite social or interpersonal problems Caffeine use continues despite social or interpersonal problems believed to be caused or exacerbated by caffeine. X 1.5%
Caffeine use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations Caffeine use continues despite a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work home or school. X 0%
Craving Craving for caffeine. X 87%

Note: Criteria endorsement was determined by a trained test administrator who took into account the severity and frequency of the problem and the relationship between caffeine use and the problem.