ICD-10 code for alcohol use, unspecified with alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction

F10.981 is the ICD-10 code for alcohol use, unspecified with alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction.
This diagnosis captures cases where alcohol consumption has led to sexual dysfunction without meeting the full criteria for mild, moderate, or severe alcohol use disorder.
Accurate diagnosis is critical for developing targeted treatment approaches that address both substance use patterns and sexual health concerns.
Key features:
- Represents alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction without specified severity of alcohol use disorder
- Requires evidence that sexual dysfunction is directly caused by alcohol use
- Differentiates from other alcohol-induced disorders through specific sexual health impact
- Includes both physical and psychological sexual function impairments

Diagnostic criteria for alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction (F10.981)
The F10.981 diagnosis requires clinicians to establish a clear causal relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual dysfunction.
This relationship must be evident through timing, dose-response patterns, and symptom improvement during periods of abstinence or reduced consumption.
Sexual dysfunction must represent a significant departure from normal sexual functioning. The dysfunction may manifest as decreased libido, impaired arousal, difficulties achieving orgasm, or problems with sexual satisfaction.
Both physiological and psychological aspects of sexual function may be affected.
Essential diagnostic criteria include:
- Evidence of problematic alcohol use that doesn't meet criteria for mild, moderate, or severe AUD
- Documented sexual dysfunction that developed during or shortly after alcohol use
- Sexual dysfunction symptoms that worsen with increased alcohol consumption
- Improvement in sexual functioning during periods of abstinence or reduced alcohol intake
- Sexual dysfunction causes clinically significant distress or impairment in relationships
When to use F10.981 diagnosis code
Accurate differential diagnosis is essential when determining whether F10.981 is the appropriate code.
Clinicians must carefully evaluate the temporal relationship between alcohol use and sexual dysfunction while ruling out other potential causes.
F10.981 vs F10.20 (Alcohol use disorder, moderate to severe)
Use F10.981 when alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction is present but the individual doesn't meet criteria for alcohol use disorder.
The F10.20 code applies when four or more AUD criteria are met within a 12-month period and sexual dysfunction isn't the primary alcohol-related concern.
F10.981 represents cases where sexual dysfunction is the predominant alcohol-related problem. These clients may have problematic drinking patterns but haven't developed the full constellation of symptoms required for an alcohol use disorder diagnosis.
F10.981 vs F52.9 (Unspecified sexual dysfunction)
The F52.9 code applies when sexual dysfunction occurs without clear substance-related etiology. F10.981 specifically requires documented evidence that alcohol use is the primary cause of sexual dysfunction symptoms.
Consider medical history, timing of symptom onset, and correlation between alcohol consumption and sexual problems. F10.981 requires that sexual dysfunction began or significantly worsened in conjunction with alcohol use patterns.
Related ICD-10 codes
Understanding related codes helps ensure accurate diagnosis and billing for alcohol-induced conditions:
- F10.98 - Alcohol use, unspecified with other alcohol-induced disorders
- F10.980 - Alcohol use, unspecified with alcohol-induced anxiety disorder
- F10.982 - Alcohol use, unspecified with alcohol-induced sleep disorder
- F10.988 - Alcohol use, unspecified with other alcohol-induced disorder
- F10.20 - Alcohol use disorder, moderate to severe
- F52.9 - Unspecified sexual dysfunction
Interventions and CPT codes for alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction
Treatment for F10.981 requires a comprehensive approach addressing both alcohol use patterns and sexual health concerns. Evidence-based interventions focus on reducing alcohol consumption while directly addressing sexual dysfunction.
Individual psychotherapy approaches
Cognitive-behavioral therapy addresses the cognitive and behavioral patterns underlying both alcohol use and sexual dysfunction.
Sessions help clients identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and improve sexual functioning through targeted interventions.
Relevant CPT codes:
- 90832 - Psychotherapy, 30 minutes
- 90834 - Psychotherapy, 45 minutes
- 90837 - Psychotherapy, 60 minutes
Motivational interviewing and brief interventions
Motivational interviewing techniques prove particularly effective for addressing ambivalence about changing drinking patterns.
Brief interventions can help clients recognize the connection between alcohol use and sexual problems while building motivation for change.
Relevant CPT codes:
- 99408 - Structured screening and brief intervention, 15-30 minutes
- 99409 - Structured screening and brief intervention, >30 minutes
- G0396 - Structured assessment and brief intervention, 15-30 minutes (Medicare)
- G0397 - Structured assessment and brief intervention, >30 minutes (Medicare)
Specialized sexual health counseling
Psychosexual therapy addresses specific sexual dysfunction symptoms while considering the impact of alcohol on sexual response.
This specialized intervention requires referral to qualified sex therapists or clinicians with advanced training in sexual health.
Relevant CPT codes:
- 90791 - Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation
- 90834 - Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (for specialized sexual health focus)
- 90847 - Family psychotherapy with patient present
Assessment and screening
Comprehensive assessment includes standardized screening tools for both alcohol use and sexual dysfunction. Regular monitoring helps track progress and adjust treatment approaches.
Relevant CPT codes:
- 96127 - Brief emotional/behavioral assessment, per instrument
- H0049 - Alcohol and/or drug screening (Medicaid)
- H0050 - Alcohol/drug brief intervention, per 15 minutes (Medicaid)
How Upheal improves F10.981 ICD-10 documentation
Suggesting appropriate ICD-10 codes based on session content
Upheal's clinical documentation platform analyzes session content to identify key diagnostic indicators for alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction.
The platform recognizes patterns in client presentations that suggest F10.981, helping clinicians capture relevant diagnostic information during sessions.
The AI-powered system identifies when clients discuss sexual concerns in conjunction with alcohol use patterns. This natural language processing helps ensure that important diagnostic details aren't overlooked during busy clinical sessions.
Maintaining HIPAA-compliant records with proper diagnostic coding
Documentation for F10.981 requires careful attention to both alcohol use patterns and sexual health concerns.
Upheal helps clinicians maintain comprehensive records that support diagnostic accuracy while protecting sensitive information about sexual functioning and substance use.
The platform's secure documentation system ensures that detailed clinical notes about sexual dysfunction and alcohol use meet regulatory requirement.
This compliance support is particularly important given the sensitive nature of both sexual health and substance use information.
Reducing administrative burden so you can focus on client care
Complex diagnoses like F10.981 require thorough documentation of the relationship between alcohol use and sexual dysfunction.
Upheal automates much of this documentation process, allowing clinicians to spend more time on direct clinical interventions rather than administrative tasks.
The platform helps track symptom patterns, treatment responses, and progress over time. This longitudinal documentation supports both clinical decision-making and insurance authorization requirements for ongoing treatment.
Supporting clients with alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction
Clients with F10.981 often experience shame and embarrassment about both their alcohol use and sexual concerns.
Creating a therapeutic environment that normalizes these discussions is essential for effective treatment. Many clients may not initially connect their sexual problems with their drinking patterns.
Comprehensive treatment addresses both the immediate sexual dysfunction and underlying alcohol use patterns.
This dual focus helps prevent symptom recurrence while improving overall relationship satisfaction and quality of life.
Regular monitoring helps track improvements in both domains.
When working with F10.981, consider referrals to specialized services when sexual dysfunction persists despite reduced alcohol consumption.
Some clients may benefit from medical evaluation for underlying physical causes of sexual dysfunction.
Upheal's clinical documentation platform helps busy behavioral health providers maintain thorough records while focusing on what matters most: helping clients achieve better sexual health and healthier relationships with alcohol.
Try Upheal for free to see how AI-powered documentation can improve your clinical workflow.