6C44

ICD-11 MMS 2026-01

Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics

Description

Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics are characterised by the pattern and consequences of use of these substances. Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics are typically prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety or insomnia and are also employed to provide sedation for medical procedures. They include the benzodiazepines and the non-benzodiazepine positive allosteric modulators of GABA receptors (i.e., ‘Z-drugs’) as well as many other compounds. Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics include barbiturates, which are available much less commonly now than in previous decades. Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics have dependence-inducing properties that are related to the dose and duration of their use. They may cause intoxication, dependence and withdrawal. Several other mental disorders induced by sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics are recognized.

Excludes

  • QE11.2 – Hazardous use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics

Exclusions from above levels

  • QE62 – Uncomplicated bereavement
  • QE84 – Acute stress reaction

Child codes

  • 6C44.0 – Episode of harmful use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
  • 6C44.1 – Harmful pattern of use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
  • 6C44.2 – Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence
  • 6C44.3 – Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic intoxication
  • 6C44.4 – Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic withdrawal
  • 6C44.5 – Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic-induced delirium
  • 6C44.6 – Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic-induced psychotic disorder
  • 6C44.7 – Certain specified sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytic-induced mental or behavioural disorders
  • 6C44.Y – Other specified disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
  • 6C44.Z – Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics, unspecified

Sibling codes

  • 6C40 – Disorders due to use of alcohol
  • 6C41 – Disorders due to use of cannabis
  • 6C42 – Disorders due to use of synthetic cannabinoids
  • 6C43 – Disorders due to use of opioids
  • 6C45 – Disorders due to use of cocaine
  • 6C46 – Disorders due to use of stimulants including amphetamines, methamphetamine or methcathinone
  • 6C47 – Disorders due to use of synthetic cathinones
  • 6C48 – Disorders due to use of caffeine
  • 6C49 – Disorders due to use of hallucinogens
  • 6C4A – Disorders due to use of nicotine
  • 6C4B – Disorders due to use of volatile inhalants
  • 6C4C – Disorders due to use of methylene-dioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] or related drugs, including methylene-dioxyamphetamine [MDA]
  • 6C4D – Disorders due to use of dissociative drugs including ketamine or phencyclidine (PCP)
  • 6C4E – Disorders due to use of other specified psychoactive substances, including medications
  • 6C4F – Disorders due to use of multiple specified psychoactive substances, including medications
  • 6C4G – Disorders due to use of unknown or unspecified psychoactive substances
  • 6C4H – Disorders due to use of non-psychoactive substances
  • 6C4Y – Other specified disorders due to substance use
  • 6C4Z – Disorders due to substance use, unspecified

Foundation entity

Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/390325614

Allowed postcoordination axes

Part of: 06: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders