ICD-11 · 6C44.2

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence is a disorder of regulation of sedative use arising from repeated or continuous use of these substances. The characteristic feature is a strong internal drive to use sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics, 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 these substances. Physiological features of dependence may also be present, including tolerance to the effects of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics, withdrawal symptoms following cessation or reduction in use, or repeated use of sedatives 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 sedative 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 Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence are:

Differential diagnosis

When diagnosing Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, the following ICD-11 disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis:

Frequently asked questions

How is Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence diagnosed according to ICD-11?

According to ICD-11, the diagnostic criteria for Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence (6C44.2) include: silne pragnienie użycia leków; utrata kontroli nad używaniem; kontynuowanie używania mimo szkód; tolerancja leków; objawy odstawienne.

What disorders are in the differential diagnosis of Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence?

The differential diagnosis of Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence (6C44.2) includes: Epizod szkodliwego używania leków uspokajających, nasennych lub przeciwlękowych (6C44.0), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania leków uspokajających, nasennych lub przeciwlękowych (6C44.1), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania leków uspokajających, nasennych lub przeciwlękowych, epizodyczny (6C44.10), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania leków uspokajających, nasennych lub przeciwlękowych, ciągły (6C44.11), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania leków uspokajających, nasennych lub przeciwlękowych, nieokreślony (6C44.1Z).

WHO ICD-11 source

View this entry in the official WHO ICD-11 browser: 6C44.2 – 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.