ICD-10 Code for Bipolar I Disorder
The ICD-10 code for Bipolar I disorder is F31, which represents "Bipolar affective disorder" in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. 1
Diagnostic Classification Details
- Bipolar I disorder in ICD-10 is classified under code F31 (Bipolar affective disorder) and requires the occurrence of a manic (or mixed) episode with duration of at least 7 days, unless hospitalization is required 1
- The ICD-10 describes bipolar I disorder as an episodic illness with bouts of mania and depression and requires that manic episodes last 1 week or more 1
- Both DSM and ICD-10 stipulate that the episodes represent a significant departure from the individual's baseline function 1
Specific Subcodes in ICD-10 for Bipolar I
- F31 is the main category code, with additional subcodes specifying the current episode type and severity 1
- The current episode can be classified as manic, depressive, or mixed, with varying degrees of severity and presence/absence of psychotic symptoms 1
- ICD-10 maintains "mixed episode" as a separate diagnostic entity, unlike DSM-5 which eliminated this category 2
Clinical Considerations
- Bipolar I disorder is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life, with an elevated risk of suicide compared to the general population 1
- The diagnosis requires careful differentiation from other mood disorders, schizophrenia, and substance-induced mood disorders 1
- Patients with bipolar I disorder often experience major or minor episodes of depression during their life span, even though episodes of depression are not required for the diagnosis 1
Changes in ICD-11
- The ICD-11 has introduced dimensional symptom specifiers for bipolar disorders, allowing clinicians to rate the severity of symptoms in six domains: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, manic symptoms, psychomotor symptoms, and cognitive symptoms 1
- ICD-11 maintains the category of mixed episode (unlike DSM-5) and keeps dysthymia as a separate diagnostic entity 2
- In ICD-11, depressive episodes in bipolar disorders can be described using qualifiers indicating specific symptoms: melancholic features, anxiety symptoms, panic attacks, and seasonal pattern 1
Important Clinical Considerations
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial as delays in diagnosis and treatment can worsen prognosis and allow for complications including substance use comorbidity 3
- Bipolar I disorder requires pharmacological treatment (typically mood stabilizers) and psychosocial interventions targeted to the specific phases of illness 4
- Careful monitoring for suicide risk is essential as bipolar disorder is associated with elevated suicide rates compared to the general population 1