F44.5 Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions

ICD-10-CM F44.5: Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions

ICD-10-CM code F44.5 designates a diagnosis of conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions. This code is applied to non-epileptic seizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, where psychological stressors manifest as physical symptoms without an organic neurological disease. It is distinct from unspecified convulsion codes. 3 4 5

Plain-language overview

Conversion disorder is a psychiatric condition where emotional and psychological stressors are converted into physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a neurological or medical condition. 2

What this code represents

ICD-10-CM code F44.5 is assigned for conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions, which specifically applies to non-epileptic seizures or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. 3 4

While the ICD-10-CM retains the category title of conversion disorder, modern clinical practice and the DSM-5-TR use the term Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder to emphasize the neurological aspect and reduce stigma. 3

Coding details

A diagnosis of pseudoseizure or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures without mention of conversion disorder is reported with code R56.9, whereas F44.5 is assigned when associated with conversion disorder. 4

Documentation considerations

Distinguishing between pseudoseizures and epileptic seizures is necessary for appropriate treatment, and a review of mental status and neurologic examination results can raise clinical suspicions for conversion disorder. 2 4

Clinical context

Symptoms such as seizures that are unexplained by organic disease are referred to as conversion symptoms, and episodes resembling epilepsy are classified as pseudoseizures within this clinical presentation. 1

What the sources add

The provided sources establish that F44.5 is a valid 2026 ICD-10-CM code, while clinical literature emphasizes that conversion disorder is often missed on initial medical evaluations due to the lack of a definitive organic diagnosis. 2 5

Clinical literature indicates that conversion disorder may be missed because an initial diagnosis can prejudice an open-minded re-evaluation, while coding guidance specifies that treatment consists of treating the underlying mental trigger. 1 4

Coverage and utilization context

The sources establish that 20% to 50% of patients stop having psychogenic non-epileptic seizures once the diagnosis is reached and without any specific or new treatment, but they do not imply that the F44.5 code guarantees payer coverage. 4

Sources

1. Systematic review of misdiagnosis of conversion symptoms and “hysteria” — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Conversion Disorder: The Brain’s Way of Dealing with Psychological Conflicts. Case Report of a Patient with Non-epileptic Seizures — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. Functional Neurological Disorder ICD-10-CM Guide — blueprint.ai; accessed 2026-07-25.
4. Understanding and Reporting Pseudoseizures - R56.9 — hiacode.com; accessed 2026-07-25.
5. F44.5 ICD-10-CM Code — Conversion disorder with seizures or… — simplepractice.com; accessed 2026-07-25.