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This article summarizes key information about the ICD-10 code for postpartum depression, including diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, and DSM-5 information.
We’ve also included all important codes listed under the postnatal depression ICD-10 code.
Bookmark this article as a reference to use next time you need to access the ICD-10 code for postpartum depression or the history of postpartum depression ICD-10 code.
What is the ICD-10?
Clinicians across the globe use standard diagnostic language and coding to help statisticians identify and report on health and disease trends. This clinical information is found in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), which is published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mental health clinicians in the United States (U.S.), however, more commonly use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The DSM-5 also contains the relevant ICD-10 codes.
American clinicians also use a clinically modified ICD-10 guide called the ICD-10-CM. The CM version contains greater specificity for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and for insurance purposes.
Using the appropriate ICD-10 codes is critical for clinicians to use as part of the assessment process, defining treatment goals, and ensuring the correct insurance billing information.
What is the ICD-10 code for postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is classified in the ICD-10 under the section “Mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders” (F01 to F99), and the sub-section “Behavioral syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors (F50-F59). In this section you’ll find the postnatal depression ICD-10 code.
The ICD-10 code for postpartum depression is located under F53, mental and behavioral disorders associated with the puerperium, not elsewhere classified.
The specific postpartum depression ICD-10 code is F53.0. This code is also known as postnatal depression not otherwise specified.
Additional ICD-10 codes for related conditions include:
Puerperal psychosis (F53.1)
Postpartum mood disturbance (090.6)
History of the postpartum depression ICD-10 code
The ICD-10 code for postpartum depression, F53.0, was introduced as a new code in 2019 (effective October 1, 2018). There was no code for postpartum depression prior to this. Since then, there have been no changes made to it.
Postpartum depression diagnostic criteria
Within the ICD-10, postpartum depression includes the following clinical information to make an accurate diagnosis:
A type of clinical depression that occurs after childbirth.
Depression usually occurs in postpartum individuals within four weeks after giving birth (parturition).
The degree of depression ranges from mild transient depression to neurotic or psychotic depressive disorders.
Symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, feeling frantic, or paranoid. Some people may fear that they might harm themselves or their babies.
When differentiating between the highs and lows of new parenting and postpartum depression, the ICD-10-CM notes that many new parents experience a range of emotion, which may be referred to as the "baby blues."
However, if symptoms persist for longer, this may be a sign of postnatal depression.
Additionally, some people with postpartum depression may need to seek inpatient treatment. Researchers hypothesize that the changes in hormone levels during and after pregnancy may lead to postpartum depression.
Treatment for postpartum depression includes formal interventions which may include medication, psychotherapy, and support groups.
DSM-5 information about postpartum depression
In the DSM-5, postpartum depression is classified as a major depressive episode with peripartum onset. Diagnostic requirements include five or more depressive symptoms present for at least two weeks, with onset occurring during pregnancy or within four weeks of delivery.
Differential diagnosis
While some patients may meet some of the criteria for postpartum depression, it can be difficult to diagnose because there are several physical and psychological changes after birth.
Some alternative diagnoses to consider may include:
The “baby blues”
Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Postpartum psychosis
Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Unipolar major depression with psychotic features
Infections, including sepsis, encephalitis, or meningitis
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Persistent depressive disorder
Substance induced states
Personality disorders
Substance use disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Postpartum anxiety
Obstetrical issues
How to find the correct ICD-10 code
The full list of ICD-10 codes for postpartum depression are available in digital and book formats:
The WHO official ICD-10 under the section of Mental and behavioral disorders and sub-section, Behavioural syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors (F50 to F59).
ICD-10-CM Data, a searchable ICD-10 database, under the section “Mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders” (F01 to F99), and the sub-section “Behavioral syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors (F50-F59), and Mental and behavioral disorders associated with the puerperium, not elsewhere classified (F53)
DSM-5 in the textbook and digital version
Please note that while the DSM-5 does contain accurate postnatal depression ICD-10 codes, they may not align with the most recent ICD version, and diagnostic criteria and other indicators may differ.
Sources
Mughal S, Azhar Y, Siddiqui W. Postpartum Depression. [Updated 2022 Oct 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
World Health Organization (WHO). (1993). The ICD-10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders.
ICD-10-CM (the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification). Postpartum depression. (n.d.).
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