- F53
- Behavioural Syndromes
Mental and Behavioural Disorders Associated with the Puerperium (F53)
DSM-5-TR: Depressive Disorder with Peripartum Onset / Brief Psychotic Disorder with Peripartum Onset
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
- ICD-10 RangeF50-F59
- Subcodes4 subcodes
- Australian PrevalencePostnatal depression affects approximately 1 in 7 Australian mothers and 1 in 10 Australian fathers. Puerperal psychosis affects approximately 1-2 per 1000 births.
- Global PrevalencePostnatal depression affects approximately 10-15% of mothers worldwide. Puerperal psychosis approximately 1-2 per 1000 births.
Overview
Mental disorders associated with the puerperium (commencing within 6 weeks of delivery) that do not meet the criteria for disorders classified elsewhere. This code is used only when the mental disorder is specifically and directly related to the puerperium and cannot be classified under another category.
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F53.0 | Mild mental and behavioural disorders associated with the puerperium | Postnatal depression NOS, postpartum depression NOS. |
| F53.1 | Severe mental and behavioural disorders associated with the puerperium | Puerperal psychosis NOS. |
| F53.8 | Other mental and behavioural disorders associated with the puerperium | Other specified puerperal mental disorders. |
| F53.9 | Puerperal mental disorder, unspecified | Unspecified puerperal mental disorder. |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Postnatal depression NOS
- Puerperal psychosis NOS
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Pre-existing mental disorders aggravated by pregnancy (use existing code)
- Mood disorders with peripartum onset (use F30-F33 with appropriate specifier where applicable)
Australian Clinical Context
Perinatal mental health is a priority area in Australian health policy. PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) provides support. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the recommended screening tool in Australian practice. Perinatal mental health services are available in most states.
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
Perinatal mental health services may also be available through state/territory health services and PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia).
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
DSM-5-TR uses "with peripartum onset" specifier on mood disorders rather than a separate category. ICD-10-AM provides F53 specifically for puerperal presentations. The EPDS is the primary screening tool. Puerperal psychosis (F53.1) is a psychiatric emergency.
Related Assessment Tools
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Mental and Behavioural Disorders Associated with the Puerperium (F53).
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Mental and Behavioural Disorders Associated with the Puerperium (F53).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use F53 or F32 for postnatal depression?
Use F53.0 when postnatal depression is the primary presentation and it commenced within 6 weeks of delivery. If the depression meets full criteria for a depressive episode (F32) and is not specifically linked to the puerperium, code as F32 with a clinical note about peripartum onset.
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- 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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