Abuse of non-psychoactive substances (F55)
The ICD-10 code F55 covers the abuse of non-psychoactive substances, identifying when a person misuses substances that do not cause a psychoactive effect. This includes misuse of antacids, herbal remedies, laxatives, steroids or hormones, and vitamins.
Each specific code under F55 targets different types of substance abuse: F55.0 is used for abuse of antacids, while F55.1 applies to abuse of herbal or folk remedies, also known as abuse of herbal medicine. F55.2 addresses chronic misuse of laxatives, which can cause diarrhea and other complications. Abuse of steroids or hormones falls under F55.3, and misuse of vitamins is captured by F55.4. The code F55.8 includes abuse of other non-psychoactive substances such as nonpsychotropic analgesic drugs, weight-loss drugs, and diuretics. Understanding these codes helps medical professionals document and manage cases involving harmful use of substances without psychoactive effects accurately, supporting diagnosis and treatment planning related to miscellaneous mental and behavioral disorders.
Instructional Notations
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
