[Is the term "dependence" appropriate?].

Abstract

The term dependence is found in the International Classification of Diseases-10 only in conjunction with the diagnosis of a dependent personality disorder and the substance-related syndrome. Nowhere dependence not related to a substance is mentioned. At present we encounter in the press and professional literature frequently comments on dependence in relation to gambling, work, television, sports activities or some hobby. From the medical aspect it is a dominating idea, i.e. rather a phenomenon within the framework of an extended standard than a symptom from the field of psychopathology. The author recommends to avoid the use of the term "dependence not related to a substance" to prevent psychiatrization of common activities..