Depressive episode (F32)

The ICD-10 codes under F32 classify various forms of a depressive episode, capturing the severity, remission status, and specific subtypes like premenstrual or postpartum depression. These codes help healthcare providers document the exact nature of a patient’s depressive condition.

The section includes codes for a single major depressive episode ranging from mild (F32.0) and moderate (F32.1) to severe with (F32.3) or without psychotic features (F32.2). It also covers states of remission; partial (F32.4) and full (F32.5); and other specified depressive episodes such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (F32.81) and a range of depressive conditions related to pregnancy, substance use, or other causes (F32.89). The codes identified as unspecified depressive episodes (F32.9, F32.A) are used when detailed clinical information isn’t available. Including synonyms like mild depression, postpartum mood disorder, or treatment resistant depression linked to each code aids coders in selecting the precise ICD-10 code for depressive episodes in clinical practice, ensuring accurate classification and treatment planning.

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

  • single episode of agitated depression
  • single episode of depressive reaction
  • single episode of major depression
  • single episode of psychogenic depression
  • single episode of reactive depression
  • single episode of vital depression

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • bipolar disorder F31
  • manic episode F30
  • recurrent depressive disorder F33

Type 2 Excludes

A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.

  • adjustment disorder F43.2

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Adjustment Disorders

Maladaptive reactions to identifiable psychosocial stressors occurring within a short time after onset of the stressor. They are manifested by either impairment in social or occupational functioning or by symptoms (depression, anxiety, etc.) that are in excess of a normal and expected reaction to the stressor.

Affective Disorders, Psychotic

Disorders in which the essential feature is a severe disturbance in mood (depression, anxiety, elation, and excitement) accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, gross impairment in reality testing, etc.

Bipolar Disorder

A major affective disorder marked by severe mood swings (manic or major depressive episodes) and a tendency to remission and recurrence.

Cortical Spreading Depression

The decrease in neuronal activity (related to a decrease in metabolic demand) extending from the site of cortical stimulation. It is believed to be responsible for the decrease in cerebral blood flow that accompanies the aura of MIGRAINE WITH AURA. (Campbell's Psychiatric Dictionary, 8th ed.)

Depression

Depressive states usually of moderate intensity in contrast with MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER present in neurotic and psychotic disorders.

Depression, Chemical

The decrease in a measurable parameter of a PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESS, including cellular, microbial, and plant; immunological, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, urinary, digestive, neural, musculoskeletal, ocular, and skin physiological processes; or METABOLIC PROCESS, including enzymatic and other pharmacological processes, by a drug or other chemical.

Depression, Postpartum

Depression in POSTPARTUM WOMEN, usually within four weeks after giving birth (PARTURITION). The degree of depression ranges from mild transient depression to neurotic or psychotic depressive disorders. (From DSM-IV, p386)

Depressive Disorder

An affective disorder manifested by either a dysphoric mood or loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. The mood disturbance is prominent and relatively persistent.

Depressive Disorder, Major

Disorder in which five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. Symptoms include: depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day; markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities most of the day, nearly every day; significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain; Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day; psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day; fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day; feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt; diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day; or recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt. (DSM-5)

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant

Failure to respond to two or more trials of antidepressant monotherapy or failure to respond to four or more trials of different antidepressant therapies. (Campbell's Psychiatric Dictionary, 9th ed.)

Economic Recession

Significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real gross domestic product, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales. (National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, www.nber.org/cycles.html, accessed 4/23/2009)

Inbreeding Depression

A reduced GENETIC VARIATION and GENETIC FITNESS due to INBREEDING.

Long-Term Synaptic Depression

A persistent activity-dependent decrease in synaptic efficacy between NEURONS. It typically occurs following repeated low-frequency afferent stimulation, but it can be induced by other methods. Long-term depression appears to play a role in MEMORY.

Migraine with Aura

A subtype of migraine disorder, characterized by recurrent attacks of reversible neurological symptoms (aura) that precede or accompany the headache. Aura may include a combination of sensory disturbances, such as blurred VISION; HALLUCINATIONS; VERTIGO; NUMBNESS; and difficulty in concentrating and speaking. Aura is usually followed by features of the COMMON MIGRAINE, such as PHOTOPHOBIA; PHONOPHOBIA; and NAUSEA. (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd ed. Cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

A condition in which a woman suffers from severe depression, irritability, and tension before MENSTRUATION. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may involve a wide range of physical or emotional symptoms, which are more severe and debilitating than those seen with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and which include at least one mood-related symptom. Symptoms usually stop when, or shortly after, menstruation begins.

Respiratory Insufficiency

Failure to adequately provide oxygen to cells of the body and to remove excess carbon dioxide from them. (Stedman, 25th ed)

Seasonal Affective Disorder

A syndrome characterized by depressions that recur annually at the same time each year, usually during the winter months. Other symptoms include anxiety, irritability, decreased energy, increased appetite (carbohydrate cravings), increased duration of sleep, and weight gain. SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can be treated by daily exposure to bright artificial lights (PHOTOTHERAPY), during the season of recurrence.

Tooth Movement Techniques

Orthodontic techniques used to correct the malposition of a tooth or teeth.

Vascular Depression

Late-life depression associated with clinical or MRI defined cerebrovascular pathology.