2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R45.81Low self-esteem

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R40-R46›R45

ICD-10-CM R45.81
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R45.81 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for low self-esteem. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Symptoms of mental and substance use conditions.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R45.81
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Low self-esteem
Short Description
Low self-esteem
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R45.8
Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR40-R46Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior
CategoryR45Symptoms and signs involving emotional state
This CodeR45.81Low self-esteem

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Chronic low self-esteem
  • Devaluation - mental defense mechanism
  • Excessive self-criticism
  • Finding related to ability to maintain self-esteem
  • Fragile self-esteem
  • Lacking belief in own ability
  • Lacks confidence
  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Low self-esteem
  • Negative self talk related to food and/or nutrition
  • Poor self-esteem
  • Self-depreciation
  • Self-doubt
  • Self-esteem disturbance
  • Situational low self-esteem
  • Unable to maintain self-esteem

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Low
      • self esteem

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SYM008
Symptoms of mental and substance use conditions
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Convert R45.81 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
307.9 Special symptom NEC/NOS
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About R45.81Overview

Is R45.81 (Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report low self-esteem on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Can R45.81 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the low self-esteem is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of R45.81?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, low self-esteem converts to ICD-9-CM 307.9 (special symptom NEC/NOS). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.