R45.81 – Low self-esteem

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior

Billable code

ICD-10-CM code R45.81

Code: R45.81 (claims format: R4581)
Description: Low self-esteem
Billable: Yes – valid for HIPAA-covered transactions
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 18. Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
Block: R40-R46 Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior
Parent codes: R45 › R45.8

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Block R40-R46

Excludes2 (not included here):

symptoms and signs constituting part of a pattern of mental disorder (F01-F99)

Index terms for R45.81

Entries in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index that lead to this code:

Low, self esteem

Related codes in R45.8

R45.82 – WorriesBillable
R45.83 – Excessive crying of child, adolescent or adultBillable
R45.84 – AnhedoniaBillable
R45.85 – Homicidal and suicidal ideationsHeader
R45.86 – Emotional labilityBillable
R45.87 – ImpulsivenessBillable
R45.88 – Nonsuicidal self-harmBillable
R45.89 – Other symptoms and signs involving emotional stateBillable

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code R45.81?

R45.81 is the ICD-10-CM code for low self-esteem, in the block R40-R46 (Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior).

Is R45.81 a billable code?

Yes. R45.81 is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What category does R45.81 belong to?

It belongs to category R45 – Symptoms and signs involving emotional state.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.