ICD-10 Codes for Agitated and Violent Behavioral Disturbances in Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease
The primary ICD-10 code for agitated and violent behavioral disturbances in early onset Alzheimer's disease is F00.01 (Alzheimer's disease with early onset with behavioral disturbance). 1, 2
Primary Coding
- F00.01 - Alzheimer's disease with early onset with behavioral disturbance 1
- This is the most specific code that captures both early onset Alzheimer's and the presence of behavioral disturbances
Additional Codes for Specific Behavioral Manifestations
When documenting specific types of behavioral disturbances, the following supplementary codes can be used:
- R45.1 - Restlessness and agitation 3
- R45.4 - Irritability and anger 3
- R45.5 - Hostility 3
- R45.6 - Violent behavior 3, 4
- R45.7 - State of emotional shock and stress, unspecified 3
- R45.850 - Homicidal ideations (when applicable) 5
- F06.30 - Mood disorder due to known physiological condition, unspecified 6
Coding for Specific Behavioral Syndromes
For more detailed documentation of specific behavioral syndromes commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease:
- F05 - Delirium due to known physiological condition (when applicable) 5
- F06.0 - Psychotic disorder with hallucinations due to known physiological condition 4, 5
- F06.2 - Psychotic disorder with delusions due to known physiological condition 4, 5
- F07.0 - Personality change due to known physiological condition 7
Coding Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid using only generic dementia codes (F03) when more specific Alzheimer's codes are applicable 1
- Don't omit the behavioral disturbance specification (.01 suffix) when documenting agitation or violence 3
- Remember that early onset Alzheimer's is specifically defined as onset before age 65 1
- Don't use mood disorder codes alone without the primary Alzheimer's code 6
Clinical Documentation Tips
- Document specific behavioral manifestations (agitation, aggression, wandering, etc.) to support code selection 3, 4
- Note the frequency, severity, and impact of behavioral disturbances on care needs 7
- Include any triggers for behavioral episodes and interventions attempted 6, 8
- Document both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management approaches 6, 8