ICD-11 · 6C43.2

Opioid dependence

Opioid dependence is a disorder of regulation of opioid use arising from repeated or continuous use of opioids. The characteristic feature is a strong internal drive to use opioids, which is manifested by impaired ability to control use, increasing priority given to use over other activities and persistence of use despite harm or negative consequences. These experiences are often accompanied by a subjective sensation of urge or craving to use opioids. Physiological features of dependence may also be present, including tolerance to the effects of opioids, withdrawal symptoms following cessation or reduction in use of opioids, or repeated use of opioids or pharmacologically similar substances to prevent or alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The features of dependence are usually evident over a period of at least 12 months but the diagnosis may be made if opioid use is continuous (daily or almost daily) for at least 3 months.

ICD-11 diagnostic criteria

How to recognise

In the ICD-11 framework, the core symptoms taken into account when recognising Opioid dependence are:

Differential diagnosis

When diagnosing Opioid dependence, the following ICD-11 disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis:

Frequently asked questions

How is Opioid dependence diagnosed according to ICD-11?

According to ICD-11, the diagnostic criteria for Opioid dependence (6C43.2) include: silne pragnienie użycia opioidów; utrata kontroli nad używaniem; kontynuowanie używania mimo szkód; tolerancja opioidów; objawy odstawienne.

What disorders are in the differential diagnosis of Opioid dependence?

The differential diagnosis of Opioid dependence (6C43.2) includes: Epizod szkodliwego używania opioidów (6C43.0), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania opioidów (6C43.1), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania opioidów, epizodyczny (6C43.10), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania opioidów, ciągły (6C43.11), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania opioidów, nieokreślony (6C43.1Z).

WHO ICD-11 source

View this entry in the official WHO ICD-11 browser: 6C43.2 – WHO ICD-11

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Source: WHO ICD-11 (chapter 6 – Mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders). Used under CC BY-ND 3.0 IGO. ICD Diagnostica is not affiliated with or endorsed by WHO. Informational use only – does not replace clinical judgment.