Quick reference
- When to use
- Use F31.0 when the client has an established or newly diagnosed bipolar disorder with the current episode matching this code's specifier. Always document history of manic episodes for Bipolar I. Never assign without confirming episode polarity.
- Duration
- Manic episodes: minimum 7 days (or any duration if hospitalized). Hypomanic episodes: minimum 4 consecutive days. Depressive episodes: minimum 2 weeks. Track mood longitudinally with mood charts.
- Session codes
- Pair with CPT 90834/90837 for therapy sessions. Medication management: 99213/99214. Add 96127 for mood screening tools (MDQ, PHQ-9). Crisis: 90839. Consider 90847 for family psychoeducation.
- Key indicators
- Mood episodes (manic, hypomanic, or depressive) • History of at least one manic episode (Bipolar I) • Elevated energy + decreased sleep need • Grandiosity • Pressured speech • Risk-taking behavior • Cycling pattern
What F31.0 represents
This code indicates a patient with established Bipolar I disorder who is currently experiencing or most recently experienced a hypomanic episode. Bipolar I requires a history of at least one manic episode.
Key diagnostic criteria
- History of at least one manic episode (required for Bipolar I)
- Current episode is hypomanic: elevated/expansive/irritable mood + increased energy for 4+ days
- 3+ symptoms (4 if irritable): inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep need, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, excessive involvement in pleasurable activities
- Observable change in functioning but not severe impairment
- No psychotic features
Documentation essentials
Document current hypomanic symptoms and history of manic episodes. Track mood with rating scales. Note medication compliance.
Differential diagnosis
Distinguish from Bipolar II (no history of mania), cyclothymia, ADHD, substance-induced mood changes.
Treatment planning
Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate), atypical antipsychotics. Psychoeducation. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.
Insurance & billing
Well-accepted. Document mood history and current episode clearly.
Updates & changes
DSM-5 added 'increased energy' as a gate criterion alongside mood disturbance.
Documentation pitfalls
Don't diagnose Bipolar I without documented history of a full manic episode. Track mood longitudinally.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.).