The healthcare system uses standardized codes, known as the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), to classify diseases, symptoms, and procedures. ICD-10 provides detailed codes for nearly every health condition, serving as a universal language for medical professionals and insurance companies. These codes are administrative tools for billing and record-keeping, ensuring diagnoses are consistently defined. The code F90.2 specifically designates a precise form of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Decoding the F90.2 Classification
The F90.2 code is the ICD-10 designation for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type. The “F90” series broadly covers ADHD, categorized under the chapter for Mental, Behavioral, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. The decimal extension, “.2,” specifies the particular presentation, distinguishing it from the predominantly inattentive type (F90.0) or the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (F90.1).
This combined type classification indicates that an individual meets the criteria for both domains of the disorder: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. The code is used in clinical documentation and for reimbursement purposes, ensuring the diagnosis is accurately recorded. This precise coding is fundamental for proper patient management, linking the diagnosis to appropriate support and intervention strategies.
Identifying the Core Characteristics
The Combined Type designation means the individual exhibits characteristics from two distinct symptom clusters: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
Inattention
Inattention involves persistent difficulty with focus and organization that is not appropriate for the person’s developmental level. This may manifest as making careless mistakes, struggling to follow instructions, or appearing not to listen when spoken to directly. Individuals often have trouble organizing tasks, frequently lose necessary items, and tend to avoid tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
This domain is characterized by excessive movement and difficulty controlling immediate reactions. Hyperactivity symptoms include frequent fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming in a seat, along with an inability to remain seated when expected. For adults, this often translates to feelings of internal restlessness. Impulsivity involves behavior such as talking excessively, blurting out answers, or having trouble waiting one’s turn.
For a diagnosis of F90.2, the person must meet the symptom threshold for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must have persisted for at least six months.
- For children up to age 16, six or more symptoms are required from each domain.
- For adolescents and adults aged 17 and older, five or more symptoms are required from each domain.
The simultaneous presence of these two sets of symptoms defines the Combined Type presentation.
The Path to Diagnosis
The determination to assign the F90.2 code follows a comprehensive evaluation, typically conducted by specialized mental health professionals like psychiatrists or psychologists. This process is complex, as no single blood test or brain scan confirms the diagnosis; it relies instead on a detailed clinical assessment. The evaluation involves gathering information from multiple sources to confirm the presence and severity of the symptoms.
Clinicians conduct in-depth interviews with the individual and often with others who know them well, such as parents, teachers, or spouses, to gain an outside perspective. This collateral information helps verify that the symptoms are not isolated to a single environment. A diagnosis also requires evidence that several symptoms were present before the age of 12 years, establishing the neurodevelopmental nature of the condition.
Crucially, the diagnostic criteria require the symptoms to be present in two or more settings (e.g., home, school, or work) and cause clear evidence of interference with social, academic, or occupational functioning. The clinician must also rule out other mental health conditions, like anxiety or mood disorders, that might better explain the symptoms being observed. Standardized rating scales and behavioral checklists are often used to systematically measure the frequency and severity of symptoms against established criteria.
Management and Support Strategies
Following the formal assignment of the F90.2 code, a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan is developed to manage the dual challenges of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This plan often incorporates a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, tailored to the person’s age and specific needs.
Pharmacological Interventions
Pharmacological treatment commonly involves stimulant medications, which are highly effective for many individuals. They help increase levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, improving focus and impulse control. Non-stimulant medications are also available for those who cannot tolerate or do not respond well to stimulants.
Behavioral and Educational Support
Alongside medication, behavioral interventions are strongly recommended to build practical skills and coping mechanisms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective strategy that helps individuals recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and habits. Other behavioral and educational strategies include parent training, organizational skills training, and educational modifications like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans for students. These interventions focus on teaching time management, improving emotional regulation, and establishing structured daily routines. The overall goal is to provide continuous support and skills training, enabling the person to manage their symptoms and thrive.