ICD-10 code for Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental and behavioral conditions encountered in clinical practice. For reimbursement, compliance, and data tracking, correctly using ICD-10 codes is crucial. This guide walks you through the relevant 2026 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, how to pick the right ICD-10 code for anxiety, and best practices for billing and coding.
What Is the ICD-10 Code for Anxiety?
Overview of ICD 10 / ICD-10-CM
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) is maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO). In the U.S. and many other jurisdictions, a Clinical Modification (CM) version is used for billing and clinical documentation. Anxiety disorders are grouped under Chapter V (F00–F99) “Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disorders,” specifically in the F40–F48 range. ICD10Data+1
Anxiety Disorder ICD-10 Codes
Some of the most used ICD-10 codes related to anxiety disorders include:
- F41.1 – Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- F41.0 – Panic Disorder (episodic paroxysmal anxiety)
- F41.9 – Anxiety Disorder, Unspecified
- F42 – Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ICD10Data+1
- F43.10 – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Unspecified
- F40.x codes for phobic anxiety disorders (e.g., social phobia, specific phobias)
Primary Sources for Anxiety Disorder ICD-10 Codes
(There are also variants and more specific subcodes, e.g., F41.2 for mixed anxiety & depressive disorder, F41.8 for other specified anxiety, F40.10 for social phobia unspecified, etc.)
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- ICD-10 code: F41.1
- Description: Persistent, excessive worry over multiple domains, lasting at least six months. Must meet symptom criteria (somatic or psychological) and cause functional impairment.
- Diagnostic sources: The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) provides clinical criteria; ICD-10 gives the diagnosis code for billing. NCBI
Panic Disorder
- ICD-10 code: F41.0 (panic disorder without agoraphobia)
- Features: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks; fear of future attacks; physical symptoms (heart pounding, sweating, dizziness).
- Variants/subcodes: If agoraphobia is present, a different or combined code is used (e.g., F40.01 for panic disorder with agoraphobia)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- ICD-10 code: F42 ICD10Data
- Description: Recurrent obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviors). Requires detailed documentation to code accurately and differentiate from generalized anxiety. ICD10Data+1
Other Types / Related Disorders
- Social Phobia / Social Anxiety: e.g., F40.10 (social phobia, unspecified)
- Specific Phobias: e.g., F40.2
- Mixed Anxiety & Depressive Disorder: F41.2 when both components are present but neither predominates.
- Adjustment Disorders (with anxiety): Codes such as F43.22 (adjustment disorder with anxiety)
- PTSD: F43.10 (unspecified) or related subcodes under reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders. ICD10Data
Overview of Anxiety ICD-10 Codes in ICD-10-CM 2026
What is the ICD-10 Code for Anxiety?
The anxiety ICD-10 code range in the 2026 ICD-10-CM system falls primarily within F40-F48, covering all anxiety disorders and related conditions. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM 2026) provides standardized codes for documenting anxiety disorders.
Key Features of ICD-10-CM 2026 Anxiety Codes:
- Developed by the World Health Organization
- Official ICD-10 coding system for the United States healthcare
- Required for medical billing and reimbursement
- Updated annually (current version: 2026 ICD-10-CM)
Primary Anxiety ICD-10 Code Categories:
- F40: Phobic anxiety disorders
- F41: Other anxiety disorders (includes GAD and panic disorder)
- F42: Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- F43: Reaction to severe stress (includes PTSD)
Purpose of Anxiety ICD-10 Codes:
- Standardize diagnosis documentation
- Enable accurate billing and reimbursement
- Track mental health disorder prevalence
- Support research and policy decisions
Most Common Anxiety ICD-10 Codes in ICD-10-CM 2026
Top 8 Anxiety ICD-10 Codes You Need to Know:
| Anxiety ICD-10 Code | Diagnosis | Clinical Use |
|---|---|---|
| F41.9 | Anxiety disorder, unspecified | General anxiety without specific criteria |
| F41.1 | Generalized anxiety disorder | Excessive worry 6+ months |
| F41.0 | Panic disorder without agoraphobia | Recurrent unexpected panic attacks |
| F40.01 | Panic disorder with agoraphobia | Panic attacks with avoidance |
| F40.10 | Social anxiety disorder | Social situation fears |
| F42.2 | Mixed obsessional thoughts/acts | OCD with both components |
| F43.1 | Post-traumatic stress disorder | Trauma-related anxiety |
| F41.2 | Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder | Combined symptoms |
Quick Selection Guide for Anxiety ICD-10:
- Use F41.9 when the diagnostic criteria are unclear or initial assessment
- Use F41.1 when 6+ months of excessive worry are documented
- Use F41.0 when recurrent panic attacks without avoidance
- Use specific codes whenever clinical criteria are met
How to Find the Right Anxiety ICD-10 Code in ICD-10-CM 2026
Method 1: Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems
- Search built-in ICD-10-CM 2026 databases
- Keywords: “anxiety ICD-10,” “F41,” “GAD,” “panic”
- Use hierarchical code navigation
- Access real-time code suggestions
Method 2: Online ICD-10-CM 2026 Resources
- ICD10Data.com (free lookup)
- CMS official guidelines at cms.gov
- AAPC and AHIMA professional resources
- Mobile coding apps
Method 3: Practice Management Software
- Integrated 2026 ICD-10-CM databases
- Automated validation tools
- Code recommendation features
- CPT code linking
How to Accurately Use ICD-10 Codes for Billing
Importance of Coding Accuracy
- Proper billing and coding ensure correct reimbursement and avoid claim denials.
- In mental/behavioral health, mis-coding unspecified codes when a more specific code is appropriate is a common pitfall.
- Claims and compliance reviews often focus on diagnosis matching documentation.
Workflow with Practice Management / EHR
- Clinical evaluation & diagnosis (using DSM criteria)
- Select the most specific ICD-10 code that matches the diagnosis
- Enter that diagnosis code into your EHR / billing system
- Pair with relevant CPT codes (for therapy, evaluation, and medication management)
- Review & cross-check — ensure diagnosis, documentation, and coding align
Common Billing Mistakes
- Defaulting to F41.9 (unspecified anxiety disorder) when a definite diagnosis (e.g., GAD or panic) applies
- Failing to document symptom criteria (duration, severity, impairments)
- Using ICD-10 codes that are not billable or not recognized in your jurisdiction
- Omitting CPT code pairing (leading to incomplete claims)
What Are the Common ICD-10 Codes for Anxiety?
Focus on F41.1 and F41.9
- F41.1 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder): The preferred diagnosis code when criteria are met, making it a “specific” code rather than unspecified. ICD10Data
- F41.9 (Anxiety Disorder, Unspecified): Used when anxiety symptoms are present, but the clinician cannot yet narrow to a specific subtype.
Using the Right Code
- Always review patient history, symptom presentation, and diagnostic criteria.
- Avoid “catch-all” coding when specificity is possible
- Update the diagnosis code if further evaluation clarifies the subtype
Example Code Table
| Condition / Scenario | ICD-10 Code | Use When… |
|---|---|---|
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | F41.1 | Persistent, excessive generalized worry with symptoms over 6+ months and functional impairment |
| Panic Disorder (without agoraphobia) | F41.0 | Recurrent unexpected panic attacks, fear of recurrence, no agoraphobic avoidance |
| Anxiety Disorder, Unspecified | F41.9 | Anxiety symptoms are present, but insufficient data for a more specific diagnosis |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | F42 | Presence of obsessions/compulsions dominating the clinical picture |
| PTSD / Reaction to stress | F43.10 (and related subcodes) | When anxiety is primarily tied to a trauma or stressor context |
| Mixed anxiety & depressive disorder | F41.2 | Co-occurring anxiety + depression, neither predominates |
All these codes fall within the F40–F48 block, which is part of nonpsychotic mental disorders. 3ICD10Data
How Are Anxiety Disorders Classified?
Classification of Mental Health Disorders
The ICD-10 (and ICD-10-CM) classifies mental disorders into chapters; anxiety and related disorders are grouped under F40–F48, within nonpsychotic mental disorders. ICD10Data+2AAPC+2
Role of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, DSM-5-TR, and earlier DSM versions) is the standard reference for clinical diagnostic criteria. Clinicians use DSM criteria to define which disorder is present; the ICD-10-CM provides the official diagnosis codes used in billing systems.
WHO’s Role & International Classification
The WHO maintains the base ICD-10 and its revisions. National versions (like ICD-10-CM) may adapt or expand certain codes, but the classification structure (e.g., F40–F48) remains consistent across jurisdictions. The ICD is used for global health statistics, epidemiology, and cross-country comparisons.
Resources & Tools for ICD-10 Coding
EHR & Practice Management Tools
Modern EHRs often include built-in code lookup, diagnosis suggestion, and billing integration modules to reduce coding errors.
CPT Codes for Anxiety-Related Services
To complete claims, pair your ICD-10 diagnosis code (e.g., F41.1) with relevant CPT codes for psychotherapy, evaluation, medication management, or other services.
Online & Official Coding Resources
- CDC / CMS ICD-10-CM lookup tools
- AAPC / medical coding platforms
- WHO ICD browser for the base ICD-10
- Coding clinics, guides, and updates
Summary – Understanding the ICD-10 Code for Anxiety
When dealing with behavioral health or mental health diagnoses, identifying the correct ICD-10 code is essential for both accurate diagnosis and reimbursement purposes. The ICD-10 code F41.9 is most often used to document clinical anxiety — a disorder characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, and tension. This form of anxiety, officially known as “Anxiety disorder, unspecified,” helps clinicians and insurance providers align on a standardized classification associated with anxiety conditions.
The ICD-10 code, when billing, must match the provider’s assessment to ensure claims are processed correctly. Using the correct ICD-10 code is not just about billing—it also supports continuity of care and accurate recordkeeping. When you find anxiety listed as part of a disorder characterized by anxiety, it usually refers to symptoms like persistent fear, nervousness, or physiological stress responses that interfere with daily life.
Historically, the history for ICD-10 code F41.9 and related anxiety codes has evolved to better represent the broad range of symptoms of anxiety and related conditions. Today, millions of people have anxiety, and mental health professionals rely on standardized coding systems like ICD-10 to identify, treat, and manage these conditions effectively.
FAQ
Q: What is the ICD-10 code for anxiety?
A: It depends on the subtype: F41.1 for generalized anxiety disorder, F41.0 for panic disorder, F41.9 for unspecified anxiety, and other F40–F48 codes for related anxiety conditions.
Q: What does F41.9 “unspecified anxiety disorder” mean?
A: Use F41.9 when anxiety symptoms are present, but the clinician has insufficient information to assign a more specific diagnosis.
Q: Is F41.1 still valid under the 2026 ICD-10-CM version?
A: Yes — F41.1 remains the valid code for generalized anxiety disorder in the current ICD-10-CM classification. I validated this against recent reference sources, and no new anxiety-specific codes have replaced it.
Q: Can panic disorder be coded if agoraphobia is present?
A: Yes, but then a combined or different subcode should be used (e.g., F40.01 for panic with agoraphobia) instead of simply F41.0.
Q: How to avoid billing mistakes with anxiety ICD codes?
A: Use the most specific valid code, ensure documentation supports diagnostic criteria, update if new information arises, and pair ICD codes with appropriate CPT codes.