ICD-10 Code F34 – Persistent mood [affective] disorders (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F34 – Persistent mood [affective] disorders
What it is
F34 identifies persistent mood disorders, meaning long-lasting disturbances in mood that do not fit better-defined episodic categories. Use it for chronic affective conditions when documentation supports a persistent course.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, you may see long-term depressed mood, fluctuating low-grade symptoms, or other chronic mood disturbance that affects daily functioning.
When to use this code
Use F34 when the provider documents a persistent mood disorder and does not specify a more exact subtype. It is appropriate for chronic affective presentations that are ongoing rather than brief or isolated episodes. Check documentation if the record suggests a different depressive, bipolar, or anxiety-related diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use F34 for acute mood episodes, bipolar disorder, or depressive disorders with a more specific code. If the chart names a distinct subtype, code that diagnosis instead.
Coding tip
Code the most specific documented mood disorder first; use F34 only when the record supports a persistent affective disorder without further detail.