Panic disorder is a debilitating anxiety condition marked by recurrent,unexpected panic attacks that arise suddenly and peak rapidly. Theseepisodes are often accompanied by intense physical sensations—such asa racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fear of losingcontrol or dying—which can make individuals feel unsafe even betweenattacks. Because the episodes occur without warning, panic disorderfrequently leads to persistent anticipatory anxiety and behavioral changesthat interfere with daily life.
The ICD-10 Code for Panic Disorder is F41.0. This diagnosis appears in Chapter V of the ICD-10, which covers Mental and Behavioral Disorders, under the broader category of anxiety disorders. It is listed alongside conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1) and other anxiety-related diagnoses. F41.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM code, used for both clinical documentation and insurance reimbursement.
Key Details of ICD-10 Code F41.0
Definition:
Panic disorder involves episodic paroxysmal anxiety, characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes.
Key Symptoms:
Common features include palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, choking sensations, trembling, sweating, and fear of dying or losing control.
Exclusions:
The ICD-10 Code for Panic Disorder does not include panic disorder with agoraphobia, which is coded separately as F40.01.
Usage:
Classified under Other anxiety disorders in Chapter V of ICD-10 and used when panic attacks occur without agoraphobic avoidance.
Coding Status:
F41.0 is valid for clinical use and billing, including current and upcoming coding years.
When to Use F41.0 (ICD-10 Code for Panic Disorder)
Clinicians should use F41.0 when DSM-5-TR criteria for panic disorder are met. Panic disorder requires recurrent, unexpected panic attacks that are not limited to specific triggers.
For appropriate use of the ICD-10 Code for Panic Disorder, documentation should confirm:
- Panic attacks occur unexpectedly, “out of the blue”
- At least one attack is followed by one month or more of:
- Persistent worry about additional attacks or their consequences
- Significant maladaptive behavior changes (avoidance, safety behaviors)
The panic attacks must not be due to substance use, a medical condition, or better explained by another mental disorder.
Panic Disorder vs Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1)
Although both diagnoses fall under anxiety disorders, their symptom patterns differ.
- Panic disorder (F41.0) is defined by discrete, episodic panic attacks with rapid onset and intense physical symptoms.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1) involves chronic, excessive worry about everyday matters such as work, health, finances, or family.
In panic disorder, anxiety is often centered on fear of future attacks, whereas in GAD, worry is persistent and diffuse.
Panic Disorder vs Agoraphobia
While historically linked, panic disorder and agoraphobia are now considered separate diagnoses.
- Panic disorder (F41.0) focuses on the experience of recurrent panic attacks.
- Agoraphobia (F40.00 / F40.01) involves fear or avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult if panic symptoms occur.
The ICD-10 Code F41.0 should be used only when panic attacks occur without agoraphobia, even though the two conditions commonly co-occur.
Other ICD-10 Codes for Anxiety Disorders
Depending on presentation, clinicians may also consider:
- F41.3 – Other mixed anxiety disorders
- F41.8 – Other specified anxiety disorders
- F41.9 – Anxiety disorder, unspecified
Accurate differentiation supports appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.
Common Interventions and CPT Codes for Panic Disorder
Treatment for panic disorder is evidence-based and often multimodal, combining psychotherapy and medication when clinically indicated.
Individual Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy—particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—is a first-line treatment, focusing on panic education, cognitive restructuring, exposure techniques, and reduction of avoidance behaviors.
Common CPT codes:
- 90832 – 30-minute session
- 90834 – 45-minute session
- 90837 – 60-minute session
- 90839 – Psychotherapy for crisis, first 60 minutes
- 90840 – Crisis psychotherapy, each additional 30 minutes
Medication Management
Medication may be used for moderate to severe symptoms or when panic attacks significantly impair functioning.
Evaluation and management CPT codes:
- 99213 – Low-complexity medication management
- 99214 – Moderate-complexity medication decisions
- 99215 – High-complexity medication management
Clinical Support for Clients With Panic Disorder
Panic disorder can be highly disruptive due to its unpredictable and episodic nature. Effective care requires accurate diagnosis, clear differentiation from related anxiety conditions, and documentation that demonstrates medical necessity over time.
Consistent use of the ICD-10 Code for Panic Disorder supports continuity of care, treatment planning, and reimbursement. Mentalyc AI mental health documentation tool helps clinicians streamline documentation while preserving clinical judgment—making it easier to track panic symptoms, interventions, and progress so providers can focus on helping clients regain stability, confidence, and a sense of safety in daily life.