Predominant psychomotor disturbance

This code signifies a mental health condition characterized by significant and pervasive alterations in psychomotor activity, which are the most prominent feature of the disorder. These disturbances can manifest as either psychomotor agitation (e.g., restlessness, pacing, hand-wringing) or psychomotor retardation (e.g., slowed movements, decreased speech, lethargy). It indicates that the motor symptoms are the primary and most impactful aspect of the patient's presentation.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates that psychomotor disturbances are the predominant and defining symptom of a psychiatric disorder, rather than secondary to another primary diagnosis like a mood disorder or schizophrenia. This code is appropriate when the clinician explicitly identifies the psychomotor disturbance as the central clinical feature. Supporting documentation should detail the specific nature and severity of the psychomotor changes.

• Do not use this code if the psychomotor disturbance is clearly secondary to a more specific psychiatric diagnosis (e.g., severe depression with melancholic features).
• Carefully review documentation to ensure "predominant" is explicitly stated or strongly implied; otherwise, consider codes for specific psychiatric disorders with associated psychomotor symptoms.
• This code is often used in conjunction with codes for underlying conditions if the psychomotor disturbance is a prominent but not the sole feature.