ICD-10 Code F53 – Mental and behavioral disorders associated with the puerperium, not elsewhere classified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F53 – Mental and behavioral disorders associated with the puerperium, not elsewhere classified
What it is
F53 identifies mental or behavioral disorders that begin in the postpartum period and are not classified elsewhere. Use it for puerperal psychiatric conditions when the record links symptoms to the time after childbirth.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Records may describe mood disturbance, anxiety, confusion, or behavioral change occurring after delivery, with onset in the puerperium and no better specified diagnosis elsewhere.
When to use this code
Use F53 when the clinician documents a postpartum mental or behavioral disorder and does not assign a more specific code. You should confirm that the condition is tied to the puerperium, not to a preexisting psychiatric diagnosis. Check documentation if the type of disorder is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for psychiatric disorders that are separately classified or for symptoms without a documented puerperal link. If the chart identifies a more specific postpartum diagnosis, code that instead.
Coding tip
Verify postpartum timing and the provider’s exact diagnosis before assigning F53.