Terminology and diagnostics of psychoactive substance use without mental disorder

Okruhlica, Ľ.

Currently is an increase in demand on examination especially of young people in the connection with the history of the usage of illicit drugs, which have low addictive power. It is very important to pay great attention and to be careful during final assessment. The other only correct and positive psychiatric diagnosis of harmful use is remaining, if use with dependence was not detected. Probably the doctors should more frequently apply diagnostic statement: no mental disorder was found. Thereafter, coding under the code “Z” according to ICD-10 should be used for diagnostic examinations without detected associated health disorder. This diagnosis should be also employed as tentative in the case of ongoing process of diagnostic evaluation till its final assessment. Proportion of such diagnostic conclusions might be on an increase in doctors’ offices in line with recent development on our drug scene. The authors indicated other frequently used terms and their definitions, which have no place in the final diagnostic assessment in the health records.

Key words: experimental use – regular use – recreational – hazardous use – harmful drug use – abuse