- F31
- Mood Disorders
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 RangeF30-F39
- Subcodes10 subcodes
- Australian PrevalenceApproximately 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 PrevalenceLifetime prevalence approximately 1-2% worldwide for bipolar I, with bipolar II adding another 0.4-1%.
- Duration RequirementIndividual 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
- Current episode hypomanic (F31.0)
- Current episode manic (F31.1-F31.2)
- Current episode depressive (F31.3-F31.5)
- Current episode mixed (F31.6)
- Currently in remission (F31.7)
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 | Currently experiencing hypomania with a history of at least one other affective episode. |
| F31.1 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode manic without psychotic symptoms | Currently manic without psychotic features, with a history of prior affective episodes. |
| F31.2 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode manic with psychotic symptoms | Currently manic with psychotic features (delusions or hallucinations). |
| F31.3 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode mild or moderate depression | Currently experiencing a mild or moderate depressive episode in the context of bipolar disorder. |
| F31.4 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode severe depression without psychotic symptoms | Currently severely depressed without psychotic features. |
| F31.5 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode severe depression with psychotic symptoms | Currently severely depressed with psychotic features. |
| F31.6 | Bipolar affective disorder, current episode mixed | Experiencing a mixture of manic and depressive symptoms simultaneously or in rapid alternation. |
| F31.7 | Bipolar affective disorder, currently in remission | History of bipolar episodes but currently without significant mood symptoms. |
| F31.8 | Other bipolar affective disorders | Includes Bipolar II disorder (hypomania with major depression) and recurrent manic episodes. |
| F31.9 | Bipolar affective disorder, unspecified | Bipolar disorder where the current episode or type is 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.
10 individual + 10 group sessions per calendar year
| 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 |
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
Grounded Scribe suggests the right MBS item codes from your recording so you can claim accurately without re-keying.
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
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Bipolar Affective Disorder (F31).
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Bipolar Affective Disorder (F31).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II in ICD-10-AM?
ICD-10-AM does not explicitly differentiate Bipolar I and II as separate codes. Bipolar II (hypomania with major depressive episodes) is typically coded under F31.8 "Other bipolar affective disorders." The DSM-5-TR has distinct categories for each.
How common is bipolar disorder in Australia?
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1.8% of the Australian adult population according to the 2020-21 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. It is equally common in men and women, with typical onset in the late teens to early twenties.
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.
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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