Find information on Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes), and treatment options. Learn about PBA symptoms, such as involuntary emotional outbursts, laughing, and crying, and how they differ from typical emotional expression. This resource provides guidance for healthcare professionals on proper PBA assessment, management, and support for patients experiencing emotional lability. Explore resources for accurate reporting and coding of Pseudobulbar Affect in medical records.
Also known as
Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases
Pseudobulbar affect can be a symptom of MS and similar conditions.
Vascular dementia
PBA may occur in vascular dementia due to brain damage.
Other specified degenerative diseases of nervous system
This code can be used for PBA associated with specific conditions like ALS.
Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state
This is a more general code for unspecified emotional symptoms, including PBA.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diagnosis Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)?
Yes
Is PBA associated with a neurological condition?
No
Do not code for Pseudobulbar Affect. Code for the presenting symptoms or diagnosis.
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Involuntary emotional outbursts |
Depression with emotional lability |
Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling |
Patient presents with symptoms consistent with Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA), also known as emotional lability, involuntary emotional expression disorder, or emotional incontinence. The patient exhibits episodes of uncontrolled laughing or crying, often disproportionate to or incongruent with the social context. These emotional outbursts are involuntary and may be easily triggered. The patient reports experiencing significant distress and impairment in social functioning due to these unpredictable episodes. Differential diagnosis includes mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, as well as other neurological conditions. Assessment includes a thorough neurological examination, review of medical history, and consideration of contributing factors such as underlying neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, ALS, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. The patient's presentation meets the diagnostic criteria for PBA according to the DSM-5. Treatment plan includes patient and family education regarding PBA, its causes, and management strategies. Pharmacological interventions, such as dextromethorphan-quinidine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be considered to manage the frequency and severity of emotional outbursts. Referral to a neurologist or psychiatrist may be warranted for further evaluation and management. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor symptom progression, treatment efficacy, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. ICD-10 code G47.11 is used for Pseudobulbar affect due to other specified disease and F06.6 for Emotional lability when due to a mental disorder. CPT codes for evaluation and management services will be used for billing purposes based on the complexity of the visit.