ICD-10 Code F98 – Other behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F98 – Other behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence
What it is
F98 covers behavioral or emotional disorders that usually begin in childhood or adolescence and do not fit a more specific diagnosis. Use it when the record supports a qualifying disorder but lacks a narrower code.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Records may describe persistent behavioral disturbance, emotional dysregulation, or other childhood-onset symptoms that affect daily functioning.
When to use this code
Use F98 when the clinician documents an eligible childhood-onset behavioral or emotional disorder and no more specific ICD-10-CM code applies. It is appropriate when the note is clear about the diagnosis but not specific enough for a narrower category. Check documentation if the condition is better classified elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use F98 for conditions with a specific ICD-10-CM code, such as anxiety disorders or attention-deficit disorders. Also avoid it when the chart lacks enough detail to confirm a childhood-onset behavioral or emotional disorder.
Coding tip
Always code the most specific documented diagnosis first; use F98 only when the record supports the broader category and no more detailed code is available.