2025 ICD-10-CM code F13.2
Dependence on sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics.
Medical necessity for treatment is established by the presence of dependence, as indicated by the criteria outlined in the diagnostic manuals (e.g., DSM-5, ICD-10).The severity of symptoms, impact on functioning, and risk of complications justify the need for intervention.
Clinicians should assess the patient's history, including the duration and amount of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use. Physical examination should focus on signs of intoxication or withdrawal. It's crucial to evaluate for co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, which may contribute to substance dependence.Treatment focuses on managing withdrawal symptoms, providing counseling and behavioral therapies, and addressing underlying mental health conditions.
- Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99)
- Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (F10-F19)
In simple words: This diagnosis means you are dependent on medications like sleeping pills or tranquilizers.This means your body has gotten used to the medication and you feel sick if you stop taking it suddenly. You might also find it very hard to stop taking them even if you want to.
This code signifies a state of dependence on sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic substances.It represents a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues use of the substance despite significant substance-related problems.Dependence is characterized by increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms upon cessation, and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
Example 1: A patient presents with tremors, anxiety, and insomnia after abruptly stopping their long-term use of lorazepam for anxiety.They report difficulty functioning without the medication and have made multiple attempts to obtain it without a prescription. This scenario aligns with F13.2, indicating dependence on anxiolytics., An individual with a history of chronic insomnia is admitted to the hospital for seizures after attempting to discontinue zolpidem. They report escalating their dosage over time due to diminishing effects. This situation indicates dependence on a hypnotic, categorized as F13.2., A patient seeks help for escalating use of barbiturates, initially prescribed for anxiety. They experience withdrawal symptoms like sweating and nausea when attempting to reduce their dose. They express a strong desire to quit but struggle to control their use. This aligns with F13.2, illustrating dependence on a sedative.
Documentation should include the type of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic used, the duration and amount of use, the presence and severity of withdrawal symptoms, the impact on the patient's daily life, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.Evidence of tolerance or compulsive drug-seeking behavior should also be noted.
** It is important to distinguish between dependence, abuse, and appropriate therapeutic use. Dependence is a physiological and psychological adaptation to chronic substance use, whereas abuse refers to harmful patterns of use. Chronic use for legitimate medical purposes does not necessarily indicate dependence.
- Specialties:Addiction medicine, psychiatry, primary care
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility,Partial Hospitalization