Find information on moderate recurrent major depression, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (F33.1), DSM-5 criteria, and treatment options. Learn about accurate diagnosis, medical coding best practices for mental health, and resources for healthcare professionals dealing with recurrent depressive disorder. This resource provides guidance on proper coding and documentation for moderate recurrent major depression in a clinical setting.
Also known as
Recurrent depressive disorder
Moderate recurrent major depressive episodes.
Major depressive disorder
Single or recurrent major depressive episodes.
Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder
Symptoms of both anxiety and depression present.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the Major Depression recurrent?
Yes
Is the severity Moderate?
No
Is it a single episode?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Moderate Recurrent Major Depression |
| Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) |
| Bipolar II Disorder |
Coding F33.1 lacks specific documentation of moderate severity, potentially leading to downcoding or audit discrepancies. CDI should query for clarity.
Insufficient documentation of prior depressive episodes can cause coding errors. CDI must confirm recurrence for accurate F33.1 assignment.
Other mental health conditions (anxiety, personality disorders) may overlap. Accurate coding requires distinct documentation and CDI review to prevent incorrect claims.
Patient presents with moderate recurrent major depression (MDD), fulfilling DSM-5 criteria for a recurrent major depressive episode. The patient reports a history of at least two previous major depressive episodes, separated by periods of at least two months without significant depressive symptoms. Current symptoms, present for the past six weeks, include depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities (anhedonia), significant weight loss unintentional or decrease in appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day, psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day observable by others, fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day, feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day, diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day, and recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide. These symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition. There is no history of manic or hypomanic episodes. Differential diagnoses considered include dysthymia, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, medical conditions mimicking depression, and substance-induced mood disorder. Assessment includes a thorough review of medical history, mental status examination, and consideration of standardized depression rating scales such as the PHQ-9 or Beck Depression Inventory-II. Treatment plan includes initiation of psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT), and consideration of pharmacotherapy with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Patient education provided on the nature of depression, treatment options, medication side effects, and the importance of adherence to the treatment plan. Follow-up appointment scheduled in two weeks to monitor symptom response and adjust treatment as needed. Patient provided with crisis hotline information and encouraged to contact the clinic or emergency services if suicidal ideation intensifies. ICD-10 code F33.1 is assigned for Moderate Recurrent Major Depressive Episode.