Quick reference
- When to use
- Use F44.0 when the client presents with dissociative symptoms consistent with Dissociative Amnesia. These diagnoses require careful, longitudinal assessment. Rule out malingering, substance effects, and other conditions.
- Duration
- Dissociative disorders are typically chronic conditions rooted in early trauma. Assessment often requires multiple sessions. Document dissociative symptoms with standardized measures (DES-II).
- Session codes
- Pair with CPT 90837 (60-min preferred for complex dissociative work). 90791 for evaluation. 90785 for interactive complexity. Treatment is typically long-term. Safety planning is essential.
- Key indicators
- Identity disruption • Dissociative amnesia • Depersonalization/derealization • Identity alteration • Gaps in recall of everyday events • Often linked to trauma history
What F44.0 represents
Dissociative amnesia involves the inability to recall important autobiographical information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature. It's inconsistent with ordinary forgetting and far exceeds normal memory gaps.
Key diagnostic criteria
- Inability to recall important autobiographical information (usually traumatic/stressful)
- Causes significant distress or impairment
- Not attributable to substance use or neurological condition
- Not better explained by DID, PTSD, or other conditions
Specify: with dissociative fugue (purposeful travel with amnesia for identity)
Documentation essentials
Document the nature and extent of memory gaps. Note whether dissociative fugue is present. Assess for trauma history.
Differential diagnosis
Distinguish from normal forgetting, substance-related blackouts, neurological conditions, PTSD, and malingering.
Treatment planning
Psychotherapy focused on safe recall. Trauma processing when appropriate. Hypnotherapy may be considered.
Insurance & billing
Accepted code. Document clinical significance and functional impact.
Updates & changes
DSM-5 added dissociative fugue as a specifier rather than a separate diagnosis.
Documentation pitfalls
Rule out neurological causes. Don't pressure memory recovery.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.).