- F55
- Behavioural Syndromes
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 RangeF50-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.
10 individual + 10 group sessions per calendar year
| 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 |
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
Grounded Scribe suggests the right MBS item codes from your recording so you can claim accurately without re-keying.
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.
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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