F02: Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere

F02 refers to Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere, a class of cognitive and behavioral disorders triggered by identifiable physiological changes such as brain injury, stroke, infection, metabolic disturbance, or neurodegenerative disease. These conditions affect memory, attention, executive function, and behavior.

Symptoms

• Memory loss – A hallmark of dementia and amnestic syndromes
• Disorientation – Common in delirium (F05)
• Changes in personality or mood – Seen in F07 or frontal lobe damage
• Impaired judgment – Present across most disorders in this category
• Speech or communication issues – Particularly in advanced cognitive decline
• Visual hallucinations or delusions – May occur in F06 mental disorders
• Sleep-wake cycle disruption – Not uncommon in delirium or dementia

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere includes cognitive assessments (MMSE, MoCA), brain imaging (MRI or CT), lab tests for infections or metabolic issues, and review of underlying physiological causes. A thorough history and mental status examination are essential.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code F02 is used in neurology, psychiatry, geriatrics, and general medicine to track and manage mental disorders with a physical etiology. It supports care planning, behavioral health documentation, cognitive rehabilitation, and insurance claims.

Related Codes

• F01 – Vascular dementia
• F03 – Unspecified dementia
• F04 – Amnestic disorder due to known physiological condition
• F05 – Delirium due to known physiological condition
• F06 – Other mental disorders due to known physiological condition
• F07 – Personality and behavioral disorders due to known physiological condition
• F09 – Unspecified mental disorder due to known physiological condition

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code F02?
A: It documents Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere, a mental or cognitive disorder stemming from an underlying physical cause such as vascular, infectious, or metabolic issues.

Q2: Are these conditions reversible?
A: Some, like delirium (F05), may be reversible if treated promptly. Others, such as dementia (F01–F03), are usually progressive.

Q3: What’s the difference between dementia and delirium?
A: Dementia is chronic and progressive; delirium is typically acute and fluctuating in nature.

Q4: How are these managed?
A: Management includes treating the underlying cause, cognitive therapies, medication for symptoms, and caregiver support.

Q5: Who manages these disorders?
A: Neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, and primary care physicians depending on the cause and severity.

Conclusion

ICD10 code F02 allows clinicians to identify and classify Dementia in other diseases classified elsewhere, guiding effective intervention, documentation, and care coordination across neurological and psychiatric services.