This book investigates the clinical rationale and diagnostic implications of classifying specific repetitive behaviors as addictions within the framework of the DSM-5. Nancy M. Petry, a recognized expert in the field of addiction medicine, synthesizes current psychiatric research to explain why behavioral addictions were integrated alongside substance use disorders. The text provides a structured argument for the validity of these diagnoses, drawing upon epidemiological data and clinical observations to support the inclusion of behavioral patterns in modern psychiatric practice.

Clinicians and researchers frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the expansion of addiction diagnostics in the DSM-5. The prose is noted for its clinical clarity, making it a standard reference for students and practitioners navigating the complexities of behavioral health.