Paranoid schizophrenia

This code represents a chronic mental disorder characterized by prominent delusions, typically persecutory or grandiose, and auditory hallucinations, often without significant disorganization of speech or behavior. Individuals experience a profound disturbance in thought processes, perception, and affect, leading to impaired social and occupational functioning.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia where the predominant clinical picture involves systematized delusions and hallucinations, and where affective flattening, alogia, or avolition are not the most prominent features. Documentation should clearly specify "paranoid type" or describe symptoms consistent with paranoid schizophrenia, such as persecutory delusions and auditory hallucinations.

• Differentiate from F22 (Delusional disorders) by the presence of other schizophrenic symptoms beyond just delusions, such as hallucinations or significant functional impairment.
• Ensure the documentation specifies the "paranoid type" of schizophrenia; otherwise, a more general schizophrenia code (e.g., F20.9) might be appropriate.
• Do not code with F22 (Involutional paranoid state or Paranoia) due to the Excludes1 note; these conditions represent distinct diagnostic categories.