F39 – Unspecified mood [affective] disorder

Learn about F39 – an ICD 10 CM code for unspecified mood disorder used when symptoms don't match specific mood or affective disorders like bipolar.

By Priya Singh on Jul 16, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

Use Code

F39 diagnosis code: Unspecified mood [affective] disorder

F39 is indeed used when a mood disorder is diagnosed but does not meet the diagnostic criteria for more specific mood disorders such as major depressive disorder (F32, F33) or bipolar disorder (F31). This diagnosis code is part of the ICD 10 CM classification system for mental and behavioral disorders.

The term “unspecified” means the clinician cannot specify the exact type of mood disorder due to insufficient information or atypical presentation. This can sometimes occur in cases of emotional disorders or disorders unspecified mood presentations.

While F39 can be used for mood disorders with psychotic features, typically psychotic features are coded under more specific codes if identified. If psychotic symptoms are prominent, other codes might be more appropriate, or additional codes may be used. These symptoms are often associated with manic depression, disorder affective psychosis NOS, or severe mental disorders and behavioral syndromes.

Is F39 billable?

Yes. F39 is a billable code, indicating a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes in the healthcare sector. It may be used in cases where a person is not in full remission mood disorder or has not met criteria for more specific mood disorders but still shows signs of persistent mood disruptions.

Clinical information

Unspecified mood disorders fundamentally affect a person's emotional state and day-to-day mood. In many cases, the person's everyday emotional state becomes impaired, and the condition may resemble aspects of mood affective disorders.
These disorders can range from minor to severe mood disorders with psychotic features.
Symptoms can fluctuate over time, including depression, guilt, hostility, or unusual excitability. Anxiety is often coded separately unless it is part of the mood disorder. Related disorders such as panic disorder or adult personality changes may co-occur.
Psychotic features are more commonly associated with specific diagnoses (e.g., bipolar disorder with psychotic features, major depressive disorder with psychotic features) rather than unspecified mood disorder. These may lead to recurrent episodes of severe dysfunction.
Mood disorders can increase a person's risk for physical health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
A healthy diet, behavioral therapy, and early intervention can help individuals lead productive lives, even with long-term mental and behavioral disorders or intellectual disabilities.

Synonyms include

Affective psychosis
Mild mood disorder
Moderate mood disorder
Major depressive disorder
Dysthymic disorder
Bipolar disorder (also called manic depression)

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for affective mood disorder

F32.0 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild
F33 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent
F31 - Bipolar disorder
F34.1 - Dysthymic disorder
F43.23 - Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
F34.8 - Other persistent mood [affective] disorders
F34.9 - Persistent mood [affective] disorder, unspecified
F30 - Manic episode

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