2025 ICD-10-CM code F13.1
Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic-related abuse. This condition involves the excessive use of sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics, leading to various physical and psychological symptoms.
Medical necessity is established by demonstrating that the patient's sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic abuse is causing significant impairment in their daily life. This includes problems with work, school, relationships, or physical health.
Providers diagnose the condition based on the patient’s history, signs and symptoms, a detailed inquiry into the individual’s personal and social behavior, and physical examination. Treatment approaches include counseling and behavioral therapy, referral to self–help groups, extended continuing care, close monitoring, and admission to residential treatment centers where specific protocols are followed that may include the use of certain medications. Emergency treatment for an overdose includes administration of naloxone and oxygen support.
- Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99)
- Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (F10-F19)
In simple words: Abuse of drugs like sleeping pills and tranquilizers can lead to problems at work, school, and home, as well as health risks and dangerous behaviors. These drugs can cause mood swings, trouble speaking, memory problems, difficulty walking, and poor coordination. Mixing them with alcohol can be very dangerous and even deadly. Older adults may experience more falls and confusion.
Sedative–, hypnotic–, or anxiolytic–related abuse refers to excessive consumption of drugs such as sleeping pills and tranquilizers. This abuse is associated with failure to meet work, school, family, and social commitments, jeopardizing health, and resulting in risky, dangerous, and/or illegal behaviors.Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic (SHA) drugs, also known as depressants, slow down brain function. Patients with SHA–related abuse experience mood fluctuations, impaired speech, memory loss, disturbed gait, lack of coordination; heavy doses in combination with alcohol may cause coma and even death. In elderly people, SHA use may cause increased falls and confusion. Other symptoms include anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, delusions, and hallucinations.
Example 1: A 25-year-old patient presents with slurred speech, unsteady gait, and impaired memory. They admit to taking more than the prescribed dose of their anxiety medication, alprazolam, for recreational purposes., A 40-year-old patient is brought to the emergency room after experiencing a seizure. They have a history of insomnia and have been using zolpidem, a hypnotic, in increasing doses over several months., A 60-year-old patient exhibits confusion and an increased risk of falls. They have been using a benzodiazepine, temazepam, for sleep disturbances for an extended period, exceeding the recommended dosage.
Documentation should include the type of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic used, the frequency and amount of use, the duration of abuse, and the presence of any withdrawal symptoms. It's crucial to note the impact of abuse on social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. Any co-occurring mental or physical health conditions should also be documented.
- Specialties:Addiction medicine, psychiatry, primary care
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Mental Health Center, etc.