Abuse of Non-Dependence-Producing Substances (F55)
DSM-5-TR: Other Specified Substance-Related 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
F50-F59
Overview
Persistent and unjustified use of substances that are not dependence-producing, often despite harmful effects. Common substances include antacids, analgesics, vitamins, laxatives, and herbal or folk remedies.
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Abuse of antacids
- Abuse of analgesics
- Abuse of vitamins
- Abuse of steroids or hormones
- Abuse of specific herbal or folk remedies
- Laxative habit
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Abuse of psychoactive substances (F10-F19)
Australian Clinical Context
Commonly seen with over-the-counter analgesics, laxatives, and complementary medicines in Australian practice.
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
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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
Document the specific substance(s), pattern of use, and any physical complications resulting from misuse.
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- 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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