Unspecified Mood Disorder ICD-10-CM Codes
Learn more about the ICD-10-CM codes for unspecified mood disorders, including billable codes, clinical information, and more.

What ICD-10 codes are used for unspecified mood disorder?
Unspecified mood disorder is a broad term for disorders that do not fit into other categories. The following unspecified mood disorder ICD codes are frequently utilized:
- F39: Unspecified mood [affective] disorder
- F32.9: Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
- F33.9: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified
Which unspecified mood disorder ICD codes are billable?
Let's take a look at the billability of the ICD codes listed above:
- F39: This code is billable and represents an unspecified mood or affective disorder.
- F32.9: Yes, this code is billable. It indicates a single episode of unspecified major depressive disorder.
- F33.9: This code is billable and denotes an unspecified recurrent major depressive disorder.
Clinical information
Unspecified mood disorder is a category of mood disorders that do not neatly fit into other classifications. The broad nature of this classification means that it can be used in various situations when a more specific diagnosis is not possible. Here's a detailed breakdown:
- Variety of symptoms: These disorders may exhibit symptoms similar to those in other mood disorders. This can include depressive symptoms, anxiety, mania, or even psychotic symptoms. However, the symptoms might not meet the full criteria for a specific condition.
- Insufficient information: If there is inadequate information to make a more specific diagnosis, a diagnosis of unspecified mood disorder might be given. This could be due to various reasons, such as the patient being uncooperative, discrepancies in symptom presentation, or lack of access to necessary diagnostic information.
- Difficulty in diagnosing: Unspecified mood disorder can also be a diagnosis when there's difficulty in determining a more specific disorder. The manifestations of mood disorders can be complex and vary significantly between individuals.
- Unique presentation of symptoms: Sometimes, patients might present unique combinations of symptoms that do not fit the criteria for any specific mood disorder, such as mild depression, bipolar disorder, hypomanic, or manic episodes. It might also not meet the full criteria for other comorbid disorders, such as a psychotic disorder, panic disorder, phobias, or generalized anxiety disorder. In such cases, an unspecified mood disorder diagnosis might be appropriate.
- Temporary diagnosis: It is also possible that "unspecified mood disorder" is used as a provisional diagnosis while further evaluation and observation are conducted. After more information is gathered, the diagnosis might be revised to a more specific mood disorder.
Remember, these patients must receive effective treatment tailored to their specific symptoms and experiences, even when a more precise diagnosis is unavailable. This ensures that they are not left without the help they need.
Synonyms include:
- Mood disorder not otherwise specified
- Unspecified mood [affective] disorder
- Affective psychosis NOS
- Persistent mood [affective] disorders
- Affective disorder NOS
- Mood disorder in full remission
- Mood disorder in partial remission
- Mood disorder severe with psychosis mood incongruent
- Mood disorder, mild
- Mood disorder, moderate
- Mood disorder, partial remission
- Mood disorder, severe
Commonly asked questions
An example of an unspecified disorder is an "unspecified mood disorder," which is used when symptoms of a mood disorder are present but do not meet the full criteria for any specific mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder. This diagnosis is applied when it is difficult to choose between an unspecified depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, and it is coded as F39 in the ICD-10.
Whether an unspecified mood disorder is considered a disability depends on its impact on an individual's functioning. If the disorder causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other vital areas of life, it may be recognized as a disability under specific legal frameworks. However, determining disability status typically requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional or disability assessment agency.
Diagnosing a mood disorder involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and psychological assessment. Clinicians use standardized diagnostic criteria from manuals like the DSM-5-TR or ICD-10 to identify symptoms characteristic of mood disorders, such as persistent sadness, elation, or irritability. Additional tools like rating scales and questionnaires may also be used to assess symptom severity and impact on functioning.