Definition:A V code is a "problem of living" rather than a disorder. That is, A V code is a reasonable response to a situation, whereas a disorder is an unreasonable, unusual, or extreme (ie disordered) response.
Many people seek therapy for day-to-day problems when they do not have a diagnosable disorder; V codes allow therapists to treat those problems without pathologizing people unnecessarily.
The downside of this is that insurance companies normally do not reimburse for V code problems. The loophole: in many cases, the V code has caused serious enough problems that a secondary diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or another disorder can be made. Of course...then we're back to pathologizing.
Bereavement, or sorrow and difficulty functioning after the loss or death of someone you cared about, is a V code. The emotions and behaviors are considered perfectly normal considering the circumstances--but that doesn't mean you might not want some help getting through them!
Many V codes refer to relational problems, such as ongoing conflict between siblings, parents and children, or romantic and sexual partners that is serious enough to seek outside help from a therapist. Though many people act as if they are not as serious as a symptom disorder, they can be as bad and worse!
V codes are diagnosed on Axis I.
V-Code |
Diagnoses |
V15.81 |
Noncompliance With Treatment |
V61.1 |
Partner Relational Problem |
V61.20 |
Parent-Child Relational Problem |
V61.21 |
Child Neglect |
V61.8 |
Sibling Relational Problem |
V61.9 |
Relational Problem Related to a Mental Disorder or General Medical Condition |
V62.2 |
Occupational Problem |
V62.3 |
Academic Problem |
V62.4 |
Acculturation Problem |
V62.81 |
Relational Problems |
V62.82 |
Bereavement |
V62.89 |
Borderline Intellectual Functioning |
V65.2 |
|
V71.01 |
Adult Antisocial Behavior [not serious or characterological enough to be diagnosed on Axis II] |
V71.02 |
Child or Adolescent Antisocial Behavior |
V71.09 |
No Diagnosis or Condition on Axis I |
Disambiguation example: Current, ongoing sexual abuse is a V code. PTSD, which can be caused by such abuse, is a symptom disorder.