In DSM-5, tolerance is defined as which of the following?

In DSM-5, tolerance is defined as which of the following?

• A. A need for markedly increased amount to achieve intoxication
• B. Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount
• C. Both A and B
• D. Neither A nor B

Answer: (C)

Tolerance reflects a physiological adaptation to a drug, where repeated use changes the body’s response so you either need markedly more of the substance to reach the same intoxication or you experience a markedly diminished effect with the same amount. In DSM-5, tolerance is one of the pharmacologic criteria for a substance use disorder and is defined by either of these patterns: needing much more to achieve the desired effect or having a diminished effect with the same amount. The best description incorporates both possibilities because the criterion covers either presentation, not just one. So, the option that includes both increased amount and diminished effect captures the full definition. This helps distinguish tolerance from withdrawal, which is the other pharmacologic criterion.

Tolerance reflects a physiological adaptation to a drug, where repeated use changes the body’s response so you either need markedly more of the substance to reach the same intoxication or you experience a markedly diminished effect with the same amount.

In DSM-5, tolerance is one of the pharmacologic criteria for a substance use disorder and is defined by either of these patterns: needing much more to achieve the desired effect or having a diminished effect with the same amount. The best description incorporates both possibilities because the criterion covers either presentation, not just one.

So, the option that includes both increased amount and diminished effect captures the full definition. This helps distinguish tolerance from withdrawal, which is the other pharmacologic criterion.