Bipolar Affective Disorder (F31)
DSM-5-TR: Bipolar and Related Disorders
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
ICD-10 Range
F30-F39
Subcodes
10 subcodes
Australian Prevalence
Approximately 1.8% of Australian adults (2020-21 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing). Equally common in men and women, typical onset in late teens to early twenties.
Global Prevalence
Lifetime prevalence approximately 1-2% worldwide for bipolar I, with bipolar II adding another 0.4-1%.
Duration Requirement
Individual episodes vary: manic ≥1 week, depressive ≥2 weeks. Diagnosis requires ≥2 episodes.
Overview
Bipolar affective disorder involves repeated episodes of significantly disturbed mood and activity level, alternating between periods of elevated mood and increased energy (mania or hypomania) and periods of lowered mood and decreased energy (depression). Between episodes, mood usually returns to normal.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- At least two episodes of significantly disturbed mood and activity
- At least one episode must be manic or hypomanic
- Alternation between elevated and depressed mood states
- Recovery usually occurs between episodes
Duration
Individual episodes vary: manic ≥1 week, depressive ≥2 weeks. Diagnosis requires ≥2 episodes.
Severity Specifiers
Exclusion Criteria
- Single manic episode without prior mood episodes (use F30)
- Cyclothymia — chronic mood instability not meeting episode criteria (use F34.0)
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F31.0 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode hypomanic | |
| F31.1 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode manic without psychotic symptoms | |
| F31.2 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode manic with psychotic symptoms | |
| F31.3 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode mild or moderate depression | |
| F31.4 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode severe depression without psychotic symptoms | |
| F31.5 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode severe depression with psychotic symptoms | |
| F31.6 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode mixed | |
| F31.7 | Bipolar affective disorder, currently in remission | |
| F31.8 | Other bipolar affective disorders | |
| F31.9 | Bipolar affective disorder, unspecified |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar II disorder (F31.8)
- Manic-depressive illness
- Manic-depressive psychosis
- Manic-depressive reaction
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Single manic episode (F30)
- Cyclothymia (F34.0)
Excludes2 (may co-occur)
- Bipolar mood episodes in context of substance use (F10-F19)
Australian Clinical Context
Bipolar disorder management in Australia follows RANZCP guidelines, with treatment typically coordinated between psychiatrists and GPs. MBS items for psychiatric consultation and GP Mental Health Treatment Plans apply. The National Mental Health Strategy includes bipolar disorder as a priority condition. PBS-subsidised mood stabilisers (lithium, valproate, lamotrigine) and atypical antipsychotics are first-line treatments.
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.
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 80000–80025 | Psychological therapy (higher rebate) |
| Registered Psychologist | 80100–80123 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Occupational Therapist | 80125–80145 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Social Worker | 80150–80175 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Psychiatrist | 291, 296–299, 300–308 | Psychiatric consultation |
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Social Worker
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
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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
Documentation should specify the current episode type (manic, depressive, mixed, or remission) and severity. Lithium monitoring requirements include regular serum levels, renal function, and thyroid function. Note any rapid cycling pattern (four or more episodes per year). RANZCP guidelines recommend mood stabilisers as first-line treatment.
Related Assessment Tools
Related Clinical Calculators
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Bipolar Affective Disorder (F31).
PHQ-9
Depression
A 9-item screening tool for depression severity based on DSM-IV criteria
CalculateDASS-21
Stress
A 21-item self-report measure of depression, anxiety, and stress with three 7-item subscales
CalculateSend all of these bundled to your client
One link, multiple assessments completed in sequence — auto-scored back to you.
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Bipolar Affective Disorder (F31).
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- RANZCP. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Mood Disorders. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-21.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
Clinical Scoring Calculator — Not a Diagnostic Tool
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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