Dependence: GCSE Psychology Definition

What is Dependence?

In GCSE psychology, dependence is one of the clinical traits or symptoms that are present when someone is diagnosed with addiction, but it is not sufficient for the behaviour to be classified as an addiction on its own. 

Dependence can be characterised by withdrawal symptoms - when the substance or behaviour ceases the individual may experience physical problems which could include:

• experiencing tremors/shakes

• sweating

• obsessive thoughts about the addictive behaviour

• headaches

• anxiety, irritability, mood swings

For instance, someone with a bad back may require pain medication; even after their back heals, they may continue to take the medication to prevent irritability or difficulty falling asleep. They develop a psychological rather than physical reliance on the drug.

Dependence is linked to substance misuse, where a person may not be following the ‘rules’ for using a drug, like the example above. They might be abusing drugs by taking them to get a 'buzz' or 'high'.

Dependence Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise the characteristics of dependence and to further your understanding of its relationship with addiction.

Explore Our GCSE Psychology Revision Resources