Learn about panic attack diagnosis, including clinical documentation, DSM-5 criteria, ICD-10 code F41.0, and medical coding guidelines. Find information on panic disorder symptoms, anxiety attack treatment, and differential diagnosis for healthcare professionals. Explore resources for accurate medical record keeping and appropriate billing practices related to panic attacks.
Also known as
Panic disorder
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with persistent worry about future attacks.
Agoraphobia
Fear or avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable.
Anxiety disorder, unspecified
Anxiety not meeting criteria for other anxiety disorders, including panic attacks.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the panic attack a manifestation of another mental disorder?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Sudden intense fear with physical symptoms. |
| Excessive worry about various things, most days. |
| Fear of social situations and scrutiny. |
Patient presents with acute onset of intense fear and discomfort, consistent with a panic attack. Symptoms reached peak intensity within minutes and included palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath or sensation of smothering, feelings of choking, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, faintness, derealization or depersonalization, fear of losing control or going crazy, fear of dying, paresthesias, chills or hot flushes. The patient denies any immediate preceding trigger or stressor. Differential diagnosis includes anxiety disorder, cardiac event, respiratory distress, and substance-induced anxiety. The patient reports no history of panic disorder or other anxiety disorders. Medical history is unremarkable for cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological conditions. Current medications include none. No known drug allergies. Physical exam revealed elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, but other vital signs were within normal limits. Cardiac and pulmonary exams were unremarkable. Mental status exam revealed anxious affect but otherwise intact cognitive function. Diagnosis of panic attack is made based on DSM-5 criteria. Patient education provided regarding panic disorder, anxiety symptoms, and coping mechanisms. Discussed potential benefits of short-term anxiolytic medication for symptom management and referral to mental health services for further evaluation and consideration of long-term anxiety management strategies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques. Follow-up recommended as needed.