Mental and Behavioural Disorders Due to Alcohol Use (F10)
DSM-5-TR: Alcohol Use Disorder
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
ICD-10 Range
F10-F19
Subcodes
8 subcodes
Australian Prevalence
Alcohol-related disorders are a major public health concern. Approximately 4.7% of Australian adults have an alcohol use disorder (ABS 2020-21). Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in Australia.
Global Prevalence
WHO estimates approximately 283 million people worldwide have an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol causes approximately 3 million deaths annually.
Duration Requirement
Dependence syndrome (F10.2): three or more features present simultaneously for at least one month, or repeatedly within a 12-month period
Overview
This category covers mental and behavioural disorders resulting from the use of alcohol, ranging from acute intoxication and harmful use to dependence syndrome and psychotic disorders. The specific clinical states are identified by the fourth character of the code.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Strong desire or compulsion to consume alcohol
- Difficulty controlling alcohol use (onset, termination, or amount)
- Physiological withdrawal state when alcohol use is reduced or stopped
- Evidence of tolerance — increased doses needed for same effect
- Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests
- Persistent use despite clear evidence of harmful consequences
Duration
Dependence syndrome (F10.2): three or more features present simultaneously for at least one month, or repeatedly within a 12-month period
Exclusion Criteria
- Normal social drinking without features of dependence or harm
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F10.0 | Acute intoxication | |
| F10.1 | Harmful use | |
| F10.2 | Dependence syndrome | |
| F10.3 | Withdrawal state | |
| F10.4 | Withdrawal state with delirium | |
| F10.5 | Psychotic disorder | |
| F10.6 | Amnesic syndrome | |
| F10.7 | Residual and late-onset psychotic disorder |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Acute alcohol intoxication
- Alcohol dependence
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Alcoholic psychosis
- Delirium tremens
- Korsakoff psychosis (alcohol-related)
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Alcohol use causing physical conditions coded elsewhere (e.g., alcoholic liver disease K70)
Australian Clinical Context
Alcohol-related disorders are a major public health concern in Australia. The NHMRC Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol (2020) recommend no more than 10 standard drinks per week. Treatment services include community-based programs, residential rehabilitation, and hospital-based detoxification. PBS-subsidised medications include naltrexone and acamprosate. AUDIT and AUDIT-C are standard screening tools.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Better Access to Mental Health Care
The primary Medicare pathway for mental health treatment in Australia. Requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral. Available for any clinically diagnosed mental disorder.
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 80000–80025 | Psychological therapy (higher rebate) |
| Registered Psychologist | 80100–80123 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Occupational Therapist | 80125–80145 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Social Worker | 80150–80175 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Psychiatrist | 291, 296–299, 300–308 | Psychiatric consultation |
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Social Worker
GP referral items: 2700, 2701, 2715, 2717
Eligibility: Any clinically diagnosed mental disorder as defined by WHO ICD-10 Chapter V. Requires a GP or psychiatrist referral.
Exclusions:
- Intellectual disability (use Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder pathway or specialist referral)
- Dementia and organic mental disorders (use specialist referral pathway)
- Tobacco use disorder
State and territory drug and alcohol services may also apply alongside MBS. Detoxification and rehabilitation services are funded separately.
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Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
The CIWA-Ar is the gold standard for monitoring alcohol withdrawal severity. AUDIT screening is recommended in primary care. Document drinking pattern (quantity, frequency, duration), withdrawal history, previous treatment attempts, and physical complications. RANZCP guidelines recommend combination of pharmacotherapy and psychological intervention for dependence.
Related Assessment Tools
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Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Mental and Behavioural Disorders Due to Alcohol Use (F10).
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Frequently Asked Questions
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- NHMRC. Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol (2020).
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
Clinical Scoring Calculator — Not a Diagnostic Tool
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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