# 127 - 6C44 Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypno

# 6C44 Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics

Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Requirements for ICD-11 Mental, Behavioural or Neurodevelopmental Disorders
behaviour). Synthetic cannabinoid intoxication may therefore present more frequently with 
psychotic symptoms in addition to the more typical effects of cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids 
also have dependence-producing properties, and synthetic cannabinoid dependence and synthetic 
cannabinoid withdrawal are recognized. Synthetic cannabinoid-induced mental disorders also 
occur; in particular, synthetic cannabinoid-induced psychotic disorder is recognized. Much less 
is known about the effects of these drugs on other body organs and systems than is the case for 
naturally cultivated cannabis.
Disorders due to use of opioids
Disorders due to use of opioids are characterized by the pattern and consequences of opioid use. 
“Opioids” is a generic term that encompasses the constituents or derivatives of the opium poppy, 
Papaver somniferum, as well as a range of synthetic and semisynthetic compounds – some related 
to morphine and others chemically distinct, but all having their primary actions on the µ opioid 
receptor. Examples of opioids include morphine, diacetylmorphine (heroin), fentanyl, pethidine, 
oxycodone, hydromorphone, methadone, buprenorphine, codeine and d-propoxyphene. The 
opioids all have analgesic properties of different potencies, and are primarily central nervous 
system depressants. They suppress respiration and other vital functions, and are a common cause 
of overdose and related deaths. Certain opioids are used or administered parenterally, including 
heroin – a common and potent opioid that is primarily used nonmedically. Therapeutic opioids 
are prescribed for a range of indications worldwide, and are essential for pain management in 
cancer care and palliative care, although they are also used for nontherapeutic reasons. In some 
countries, morbidity and mortality related to therapeutic opioids are greater than those related to 
heroin. All opioids may result in opioid intoxication, opioid dependence and opioid withdrawal. 
A range of opioid-induced disorders occur, some of which occur following opioid withdrawal. 
Because certain opioids are commonly injected illicitly, their use is a potent mechanism of 
transmission of bloodborne viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS, as 
well as bacterial infections. Not including alcohol and tobacco, opioids are the most common 
cause of death from psychoactive drug use worldwide.
Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics
Disorders due to use of sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics are characterized 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 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.
6C43
6C44
Disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviours | Substance classes