Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence w mood disorder

This code signifies a patient's physiological or psychological dependence on sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics, where the substance use directly causes a mood disorder. The mood disturbance, such as depression or anxiety, is a direct pharmacological effect of the drug use. This diagnosis indicates a significant impairment in functioning due to both the dependence and the induced mood symptoms.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of dependence on sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics, and a mood disorder is explicitly linked as being induced by this substance use. This is appropriate for patients experiencing withdrawal-related mood symptoms, intoxication-related mood changes, or persistent mood disturbances directly attributable to chronic use. Physician documentation must specify both the dependence and the causal relationship to the mood disorder.

• Always ensure the documentation explicitly states the mood disorder is "induced" by the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.
• Do not use if the mood disorder pre-existed the substance use or is unrelated to it; consider codes for primary mood disorders (e.g., F32, F33, F34) in such cases.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the substance-induced mood disorder is the main reason for the encounter, followed by codes for specific mood symptoms if applicable.