Understanding agitation, restlessness, irritability, and hostility in a clinical setting is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. This resource provides information on identifying, documenting, and coding agitation (ICD-10) for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and medical coders. Learn about assessing and managing agitation symptoms, plus exploring related terms like psychomotor agitation and differential diagnoses for improved patient care and accurate medical records.
Also known as
Psychogenic agitation
Agitation caused by psychological factors.
Irritability and anger
Increased irritability, anger, or frustration.
Other problems related to lifestyle
May include restlessness or agitation related to lifestyle factors.
Delirium, unspecified
Agitation can be a symptom of delirium.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is agitation due to a mental disorder?
Yes
Specific mental disorder documented?
No
Is agitation due to medication side effect?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Feeling restless, tense, or irritable. |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). |
| Manic episode of bipolar disorder. |
Coding agitation without specifying underlying cause or clinical context can lead to inaccurate severity and reimbursement.
Agitation may be a symptom of other conditions. Miscoding it as a primary diagnosis can skew data and quality metrics.
Lack of detailed documentation supporting the agitation diagnosis can raise audit flags and result in claim denials.
Q: What are the best evidence-based strategies for managing agitation in elderly patients with dementia?
A: Managing agitation in elderly patients with dementia requires a multifaceted approach focusing on non-pharmacological interventions first. Start by identifying and addressing potential triggers like pain, infection, constipation, or environmental overstimulation. Consider implementing behavioral interventions such as a calming environment, structured activities, and personalized sensory stimulation. If these prove insufficient, explore pharmacological options judiciously, starting with low doses and carefully monitoring for side effects. Atypical antipsychotics may be considered in severe cases, but always weigh the risks and benefits, considering alternatives like mood stabilizers. Explore how a comprehensive care plan incorporating these strategies can improve patient outcomes and reduce caregiver burden. Learn more about specific dementia subtypes and their unique agitation management considerations.
Q: How can I differentiate between delirium and agitation secondary to a psychiatric disorder in a hospitalized patient?
A: Differentiating delirium and agitation due to a primary psychiatric disorder requires a thorough assessment encompassing medical history, physical examination, cognitive testing, and laboratory investigations. Delirium often presents with acute onset, fluctuating course, and impaired attention, while agitation related to a psychiatric condition may have a more gradual onset and stable presentation. Observe for signs of underlying medical conditions contributing to delirium, such as infections, metabolic disturbances, or medication side effects. A comprehensive review of medications, including recent changes or additions, is crucial. Consider implementing standardized tools like the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) to aid in delirium diagnosis. If the cause of agitation remains unclear after initial assessment, consult with a psychiatrist or geriatrician for further evaluation. Explore how a multidisciplinary approach can facilitate accurate diagnosis and tailored intervention strategies.
Patient presents with agitation, characterized by observable restlessness and increased motor activity. Symptoms include pacing, hand-wringing, and verbal irritability. Differential diagnosis includes anxiety, akathisia, delirium, and substance-induced agitation. Patient reports feeling on edge and unable to sit still. Assessment includes monitoring for escalating behaviors such as hostility and aggression. Current medications were reviewed for potential exacerbating factors. The patient's vital signs are within normal limits. Plan includes implementing de-escalation techniques, environmental modifications, and consideration of pharmacologic interventions for agitation management. Further evaluation will focus on identifying underlying causes and optimizing treatment strategies to reduce agitation symptoms and improve patient comfort and safety. ICD-10 code F48.9 for unspecified nonorganic anxiety disorder is provisionally assigned pending further diagnostic clarification. This documentation supports medical necessity for continued assessment and treatment of agitation.