R45.4 ICD-10-CM

ICD-10-CM code R45.4 describes irritability and anger. Symptom-level code for irritability/anger when no mental disorder is documented. It is a billable, specific code valid for claim submission. It is grouped under the “Symptoms & Signs (R Codes)” section of the mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders chapter.

When to use R45.4

R codes report symptoms, signs, or ill-defined findings such as suicidal ideation, irritability, or cognitive deficits when no definitive diagnosis has been established. They are frequently secondary to a documented mental health diagnosis. For R45.4 specifically, symptom-level code for irritability/anger when no mental disorder is documented.

Documentation & billing

Document the symptom and any workup to date. Once diagnostic criteria are met, use a definitive mental disorder code rather than relying indefinitely on a symptom code.

Common pitfalls

• Using a symptom R code when a definitive diagnosis is already documented.
• Coding suicidal ideation (R45.84) without a corresponding risk assessment and safety plan.
• Relying on R codes long-term instead of establishing a diagnosis.

Common search terms for R45.4

Clinicians often look up R45.4 using plain-language terms. This code maps to:

Frequently asked questions