ADHD Diagnosis in ICD-10 | Cadabams CDC
If you’ve been told your child may have ADHD, seeing the letters “F90.x” on a clinic summary can feel overwhelming. The good news: ADHD diagnosis in ICD-10 is simply a standardized way doctors and insurers talk about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Below, Cadabams CDC breaks down each code, decoding the jargon so you can focus on your child—not the paperwork.
1. Quick Overview: What Is the ICD-10 Code for ADHD?
ICD-10 groups all ADHD presentations under F90.x, where the final digit (0–9) tells the story of symptom pattern and level of detail. These codes are used across India to bill insurance, request school accommodations, and track prevalence. In short:
- F90.x = ADHD in ICD-10
- The “x” changes to describe the type of ADHD.
2. ICD-10 ADHD Codes Breakdown & Clinical Meaning
| Code | Name | What It Means for Your Child |
|---|---|---|
| F90.0 | Predominantly Inattentive Presentation | Easily distracted, forgetful, struggles to finish homework. Hyperactivity is minimal. |
| F90.1 | Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation | Fidgety, blurts out answers, “always on the go.” Inattention is less obvious. |
| F90.2 | Combined Presentation | Meets criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Most common. |
| F90.8 | Other Specified ADHD | ADHD symptoms present, but don’t fit classic patterns (e.g., limited situational evidence). |
| F90.9 | Unspecified ADHD | Clear ADHD symptoms, but clinician needs more data to choose a specific subtype. |
3. Excludes2 & Coding Rules You Must Know
Exclusions for Anxiety, Mood & Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- Excludes2 means ADHD can coexist with conditions like anxiety (F41.9) or ASD (F84.0).
- Still, the ADHD code is listed separately so each disorder is treated.
Age-of-Onset Flexibility Under F90-F98 Range
- Classic rule: symptoms appear before age 12.
- ICD-10 allows a milder “age-of-onset unknown” label under F90.9 if early history is unclear.
Documentation Tips for Accurate Billing
- Record exact symptom counts (e.g., “6 of 9 inattention items documented”).
- Note functional impact: “Academic scores dropped 20 % since Grade 2.”
4. How Professionals Diagnose ADHD Using ICD-10 Criteria
Step-by-Step Clinical Evaluation
- Intake interview with parents & child.
- Rating scales (Conners, Vanderbilt).
- School reports (teacher checklists).
- Rule-out labs for thyroid or vision issues.
- Assign ICD-10 code based on final subtype.
DSM-5 vs ICD-10 Symptom Mapping
- Both share identical symptom lists.
- ICD-10 uses persistent wording; DSM-5 adds severity specifier.
- A clinician can map DSM-5 findings to ICD-10 codes seamlessly.
Role of Rating Scales & Parent-Teacher Reports
- Objective data strengthens the diagnosis.
- Discrepancies trigger classroom observation or additional testing.
5. Treatment Pathways After ICD-10 ADHD Diagnosis
Behavioral Interventions & ABA
- Parent-Management Training (PMT) teaches consistent routines.
- ABA breaks tasks into small, reward-based steps.
Medication Overview (Stimulant & Non-Stimulant)
| Type | Examples | Typical 1st-Line Use |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulants | Methylphenidate, amphetamines | F90.0, F90.2 with moderate–severe impairment |
| Non-Stimulants | Atomoxetine, guanfacine | F90.1 with tics or anxiety |
School Accommodations & IEP Support
- CBSE & ICSE accept F90.x codes for concessions (extra time, separate seating).
- IEP goals can target “on-task behavior increased from 5 min to 20 min per session.”
6. Pros & Cons of Early vs Late ICD-10 ADHD Coding
| Timing | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Early (Age 6–8) | Earlier therapy, better academic trajectory | Risk of over-diagnosis if symptoms mild |
| Late (Age 12+) | Clearer symptom pattern | May miss critical skill-building years |