ABSTRACT
The problem of accurate diagnosis lies at the heart of the problem of psychiatric comorbidity in patients with substance use disorders. Epidemiological and genetic studies, reviewed in the first two chapters of this volume, depend on diagnostic criteria and structured interviews to define cases. Clinicians need diagnostic criteria and interview methods to decide whether to initiate specific treatment for psychiatric disorders in addicted patients. This clinical problem is an important focus of many of the upcoming chapters on specific kinds of comorbidity.
