Understanding mood swings? Find information on mood swing diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding. Learn about labile affect, emotional lability, bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, and other related conditions. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on documenting mood instability, rapid cycling, and affective instability in patient charts. Discover relevant ICD-10 codes, diagnostic criteria, and best practices for accurate medical coding related to mood swings and affective disorders.
Also known as
Mood [Affective] Disorders
Covers various mood disturbances including manic, depressive, and bipolar episodes.
Personality Disorders
Includes conditions with persistent patterns of inner experience and behavior affecting mood stability.
Symptoms and Signs Involving Emotional State
Encompasses symptoms like irritability, nervousness, and other emotional changes.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the mood swing due to a medical condition?
Yes
Specific medical condition documented?
No
Is it part of a mental disorder?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Significant mood swings. |
Bipolar I Disorder |
Cyclothymic Disorder |
Using unspecified codes like R45.89 (Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state) when a more specific diagnosis is available leads to inaccurate data and lost revenue.
Mood swings can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. Miscoding mood swings as bipolar disorder without proper documentation can lead to overcoding and compliance issues.
Insufficient documentation specifying the nature, severity, and duration of mood swings makes accurate coding difficult, increasing audit risks and affecting reimbursement.
Patient presents with labile mood characterized by significant mood swings, fluctuating between periods of elevated mood (euphoria, hypomania) and depressed mood (dysthymia, low mood). These mood shifts are not sufficiently severe or prolonged to meet criteria for Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, or Persistent Depressive Disorder. Onset of mood swings is noted to be (recent onset, gradual onset, insidious onset) and frequency is described as (daily, weekly, episodic). Symptoms impacting daily functioning include (e.g., irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, fatigue, changes in appetite, emotional lability). Patient denies suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation. Differential diagnoses considered include cyclothymia, borderline personality disorder, substance-induced mood disorder, and medical conditions impacting mood regulation. Assessment includes screening for contributing factors such as stress, hormonal changes, medications, and comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions. Current medications are documented. Treatment plan includes (e.g., psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, counseling, stress management techniques, sleep hygiene education). Patient education provided on mood tracking, symptom management, and coping strategies. Follow-up scheduled to monitor symptom progression and treatment efficacy. ICD-10 code R45.86 (Other specified symptoms and signs involving emotional state) is considered, with further assessment needed to confirm diagnosis. Medical billing codes for evaluation and management services will be determined based on the complexity of the visit and time spent with the patient. Referral to psychiatry may be indicated if symptoms persist or worsen.