Amnestic disorder in conditions classified elsewhere

This code signifies an amnestic disorder that arises as a direct physiological consequence of another medical condition or substance, rather than being a primary psychiatric disorder. It involves significant memory impairment, particularly the inability to learn new information or recall previously learned information, without other significant cognitive deficits like aphasia or apraxia. The memory disturbance causes significant functional impairment.

Use this code when documentation clearly links the amnestic syndrome to an underlying medical condition (e.g., head trauma, stroke, anoxia, encephalitis) or substance use (e.g., chronic alcohol abuse, medication side effect). The medical record should specify the nature of the memory deficit and the identified etiology. This code is appropriate when the amnestic disorder is the primary focus of treatment or evaluation in the context of the underlying condition.

• Always sequence the underlying medical condition or substance use disorder first, as this code represents a manifestation of that primary condition.
• Distinguish from dementia codes (e.g., Alzheimer's) where memory impairment is part of a broader cognitive decline.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states the amnestic disorder is "due to" or "associated with" the specified underlying condition.