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Persistent Delusional Disorders (F22)

DSM-5-TR: Delusional Disorder

ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.

Key Facts

  • ICD-10 RangeF20-F29
  • Subcodes3 subcodes
  • Australian PrevalencePrevalence approximately 0.02-0.03%. More commonly diagnosed in older adults.
  • Global PrevalenceLifetime prevalence approximately 0.2%. Late onset is typical.

Overview

A group of disorders in which long-standing delusions constitute the only, or the most conspicuous, clinical characteristic and which cannot be classified as organic, schizophrenic, or affective. Delusional disorder is the most common subtype.

ICD-10-AM Subcodes

CodeNameDescription
F22.0Delusional disorderA single delusion or set of related delusions, usually persistent and sometimes lifelong.
F22.8Other persistent delusional disordersPersistent delusional disorders that do not meet criteria for delusional disorder.
F22.9Persistent delusional disorder, unspecifiedUnspecified persistent delusional disorder.

Classification Boundaries

Includes

  • Delusional disorder
  • Paranoia
  • Paraphrenia (late)
  • Sensitiver Beziehungswahn

Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)

  • Paranoid schizophrenia (F20.0)
  • Paranoid personality disorder (F60.0)
  • Paranoid psychosis, psychogenic (F23)
  • Paranoid reaction (F23)

Australian Clinical Context

Persistent delusional disorders are managed by psychiatrists in Australia. Treatment involves antipsychotic medication and psychological therapy. The condition can be difficult to treat as patients often lack insight.

Medicare (MBS) Pathways

Better Access to Mental Health Care
The primary Medicare pathway for mental health treatment in Australia. Requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral. Available for any clinically diagnosed mental disorder.

10 individual + 10 group sessions per calendar year

Provider TypeMBS ItemsSession Type
Clinical Psychologist80000–80025Psychological therapy (higher rebate)
Registered Psychologist80100–80123Focused psychological strategies
Occupational Therapist80125–80145Focused psychological strategies
Social Worker80150–80175Focused psychological strategies
Psychiatrist291, 296–299, 300–308Psychiatric consultation

GP referral items: 2700, 2701, 2715, 2717

Eligibility: Any clinically diagnosed mental disorder as defined by WHO ICD-10 Chapter V. Requires a GP or psychiatrist referral.

Exclusions:

  • Intellectual disability (use Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder pathway or specialist referral)
  • Dementia and organic mental disorders (use specialist referral pathway)
  • Tobacco use disorder

Psychiatrist-led care is the primary pathway.

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Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.

Clinical Documentation Notes

DSM-5-TR specifies subtypes: erotomanic, grandiose, jealous, persecutory, somatic, mixed, and unspecified. Document the specific delusional theme, duration, and impact on functioning.

Related Diagnostic Codes

ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Persistent Delusional Disorders (F22).

References

  1. World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
  2. RANZCP. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Schizophrenia and Related Disorders.
  3. American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
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