F43.12 Diagnosis Code Chronic PTSD Symptoms & ICD-10 Guide

Q: What’s the ICD-10 code for trauma without PTSD?

Use Z55.5 ("Personal history of psychological trauma") for non-PTSD cases.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by trauma. The ICD-10 code F43.12 specifically identifies Chronic PTSD, a persistent form of the disorder lasting over 3 months. This guide explains the F43.12 diagnosis code, symptoms, and how it differs from other PTSD classifications.

What is the F43.12 ICD-10 Code?

The F43.12 code falls under the ICD-10-CM category Reaction to severe stress, and adjustment disorders. It is used for patients with Chronic PTSD, defined by symptoms persisting for 3+ months. Key distinctions:

F43.10: PTSD, unspecified (symptoms not classified as acute or chronic).
F43.11: Acute PTSD (symptoms last <3 months).
F43.12: Chronic PTSD (symptoms last >3 months).

F43.12 Symptoms: Recognizing Chronic PTSD

Chronic PTSD symptoms align with DSM-5 criteria but emphasize duration. Common signs include:

Re-experiencing trauma: Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts.
Avoidance: Steering clear of trauma reminders.
Hyperarousal: Hypervigilance, irritability, sleep issues.
Negative mood: Emotional numbness, guilt, detachment.

Chronic cases often involve severe impairment in daily functioning

How F43.12 Differs from DSM-5 Criteria

While ICD-10 focuses on symptom duration (acute vs. chronic), the DSM-5 categorizes PTSD by symptom severity and subtypes (e.g., dissociative or delayed expression). The DSM-5 code for PTSD is 309.81, but clinicians use ICD-10 codes like F43.12 for billing and records.

Diagnosing Chronic PTSD: Key Steps

Clinical evaluation: Assess trauma history and symptoms.
Duration check: Confirm symptoms persist >3 months.
Rule out other conditions: Differentiate from anxiety, depression, or adjustment disorders.
Use validated tools: CAPS-5 or PCL-5 assessments.

Treatment Options for F43.12 Chronic PTSD

Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, prolonged exposure therapy.
Medications: SSRIs (e.g., sertraline) to manage anxiety and mood.
Support groups: Peer networks for shared coping strategies.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the F43.12 ICD-10 code ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for Chronic PTSD. Always pair medical coding with thorough clinical evaluation to address the complex needs of trauma survivors.