ICD-10 Code for Porn Addiction
There is no specific ICD-10 code for "porn addiction" as a standalone diagnosis, but the closest applicable code is F63.8 (Other impulse disorders) or F52.8 (Other sexual dysfunction not due to a substance or known physiological condition), with the understanding that ICD-11 will introduce 6C72 for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder which includes problematic pornography use as a subtype. 1
Current Diagnostic Framework
The ICD-10 classification system does not recognize pornography addiction as a distinct diagnostic entity. 2, 3 However, clinicians can use the following approach:
Available ICD-10 Codes
F63.8 (Other impulse disorders): This is the most appropriate code when pornography use is characterized by failure to control intense sexual impulses resulting in repetitive behavior causing marked distress or impairment. 1
F52.8 (Other sexual dysfunction): This code may be applicable when problematic pornography use results in partnered sexual dysfunction, which occurs in nearly half of individuals with problematic pornography use. 4
F42 (Obsessive-compulsive disorder): This code should be used when pornography use serves as a checking compulsion rather than gratification-seeking behavior, as seen in Sexual Orientation OCD where patients watch pornography specifically to monitor arousal responses. 1, 5
Critical Differential Diagnosis
You must distinguish between true compulsive sexual behavior and SO-OCD, as this fundamentally changes both the diagnosis and treatment approach. 1, 5
Compulsive Sexual Behavior Pattern
- Pornography use is pursued for gratification and pleasure 1
- Characterized by tolerance, escalation, and greater sexual responsivity toward pornography 4
- Associated with psychological distress and functional impairment 4
- Use F63.8 as the primary code 1
SO-OCD Pattern (Use F42)
- Pornography use serves as a checking compulsion to test sexual arousal patterns 1, 5
- Provides only transient reassurance followed by renewed doubt and repeated checking 5
- Affects 10-12% of individuals with lifetime OCD, with 91% reporting high distress 1
- Critically, this is misdiagnosed in 84.6% of cases, most commonly confused with sexual identity crisis 1, 5
Transition to ICD-11
The World Health Organization's ICD-11 (not yet universally implemented) recognizes 6C72 - Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) as the formal diagnostic framework, with pornography use disorder as a specific subtype. 1 This represents a significant advancement in classification, though it remains categorized as an impulse control disorder rather than an addictive disorder. 2
Documentation Recommendations
When coding for problematic pornography use, document the following clinical features to support your diagnosis:
- Tolerance and escalation patterns: Current levels of pornography use and indicators of increasing consumption over time 4
- Functional impairment: Interference with everyday life, relationships, or occupational functioning 4, 3
- Psychological distress: Associated anxiety, depression, or guilt 4
- Sexual dysfunction: Presence or absence of partnered sexual difficulties 4
- Compulsive features: Whether use is ego-syntonic (pursued for gratification) or ego-dystonic (unwanted intrusive thoughts) 1
Common Pitfall
Do not automatically assume all patients presenting with "porn addiction" have compulsive sexual behavior. 5 A substantial proportion may have SO-OCD where pornography serves as a checking ritual, requiring completely different treatment (Exposure and Response Prevention rather than addiction-focused interventions). 1, 5 The misdiagnosis rate of 84.6% for SO-OCD underscores the importance of careful assessment. 1