Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 59 of 2017 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 60 of 2017 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 304, 305.2-305.8
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F11.2, F12.2, F13.2, F14.2, F15.2, F16.2, F17.2, F19.2, F55.0
Brief description
Substance use disorder is a DSM-5 diagnosis that replaced the DSM-IV categories of drug dependence and drug abuse. The condition involves clinically significant psychosocial impairment and problematic behaviors related to obtaining, using, or recovering from a substance.
Confirming the diagnosis
A report from a specialist psychiatrist that conforms with the Repatriation Commission Guidelines for Psychiatric Compensation Claims is required for diagnosis.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
Substance use disorder involving:
- Amphetamines
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants (hydrocarbon based)
- Opioids
- Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquillisers)
- Tobacco
Conditions not covered by SOP
- Alcohol use disorder*
- Caffeine-related disorders
- Chronic solvent encephalopathy*
- Substance intoxication
- Substance-induced mental disorders
* another SOP applies
Clinical onset
Clinical onset is when the the diagnostic criteria can first be said (by a medical practitioner) to have been fulfulled. It will not be when the substance was first used.
Clinical worsening
Evidence of worsening of the condition may be shown by an increase in the number of symptoms/diagnostic criteria or a more severe pattern of symptoms or problems resulting from substance use. Establishing that any worsening represents a permanent clincial worsening will be more difficult, as there may be fluctuations in the pattern of substance use over time.