F43.11 Post-traumatic stress disorder, acute

ICD10CM code

#### Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Acute (ICD F43.11)

#### Name of the Condition
- **Common Name:** Acute Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- **Medical Term:** Acute PTSD

#### Summary
Acute Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It involves severe anxiety, flashbacks, and persistent fear that affect daily functioning, appearing soon after the traumatic event.

#### Causes
- **Traumatic Events:** Sudden, severe stressors like natural disasters, violent assaults, or accidents.
- **Biological Factors:** Variations in brain chemicals regulating fear response.
- **Psychosocial Factors:** Lack of social support or pre-existing psychological issues.

#### Risk Factors
- **Exposure to Trauma:** Direct experience or witnessing traumatic events.
- **Previous Mental Health Issues:** History of anxiety or depression.
- **Genetics:** Family history of anxiety disorders.

#### Symptoms
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the trauma.
- Nightmares related to the traumatic event.
- Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to reminders.
- Avoidance of places or people that remind them of the trauma.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood.

#### Diagnosis
- **Clinical Interview:** Detailed discussion about symptoms and their impact on daily life.
- **Psychological Assessments:** Standardized questionnaires to assess PTSD symptoms.

#### Treatment Options
- **Psychotherapy:** Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to process trauma and reduce symptoms.
- **Medications:** Antidepressants such as SSRIs to help manage anxiety and mood.
- **Trauma-focused Therapies:** Techniques like EMDR to reduce distress.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Early treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.
- Many individuals recover fully with appropriate interventions.
- Regular follow-up aids in monitoring progress and adjusting treatments.

#### Complications
- Without treatment, PTSD can lead to chronic anxiety disorders, depression, or substance abuse.
- It may also impair social and occupational functioning.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- **Self-care:** Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating.
- **Stress-reduction Techniques:** Mindfulness and relaxation exercises.
- **Preventive Support:** Seeking early help after traumatic experiences.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- If experiencing severe emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or an inability to function normally due to symptoms.

#### Additional Resources
- **National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):** [Link](https://www.nimh.nih.gov)
- **PTSD Alliance:** [Link](http://www.ptsdalliance.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate documentation of the timeframe and onset since acute PTSD appears shortly after the traumatic event.
- Differentiate between acute (F43.11) and chronic PTSD for correct coding. Avoid using unspecified codes unless absolutely necessary.

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