ICD-10 Code F33.1: Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate

ICD-10 Code: F33.1

Code Overview

The code F33.1 in ICD-10 is representative of Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Moderate. The specific billable diagnostic code is used in healthcare domains for reimbursement as well as clinical documentation purposes. It corresponds to the ICD-9 code 296.3 and relates to the broader category of mood disorders within the mental health classification system.

What is ICD-10 Code F33.1

F33.1 specifies patients having their second or subsequent episode of moderate major depression. The recurrent designation sets it apart from the first episode (F32 series) and represents a pattern of depressive episodes separated by two months or more of full remission.

ICD-10 Code: F33.1 Diagnostic Criteria

Core Symptoms

Add-on Symptoms

Considerable weight loss or weight gain (5% change in body weight).
Disturbance of sleep (insomnia or hypersomnia).
Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt.
Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness.
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Moderate Requirement for F33.1 Classification of Depression

Moderate impairment of salient social or occupational functioning or in other relevant areas.
Clinically significant distress caused by the symptoms.
It occurs less frequently than in major depression with psychotic features.
More frequently than in mild depression.

Duration Requirements

The present episode must have been in place for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Must have had at least one previous major depressive episode.
The gap between last episode and the preceding episodes must have been no less than 2 months of stable mood.
Symptoms do not match the criteria of substance-induced mood disorder or due to the effect of a medical condition.

Clinical Presentation

ICD-10 Coding Relationship

Prognosis and Monitoring

Patients with F33.1 require ongoing monitoring for:

Important Clinical Notes

The recurrent nature indicates higher risk for future episodes.
Maintenance treatment often necessary to prevent relapse.
Regular assessment of symptom severity may lead to code changes.
Comprehensive treatment approach typically most effective.
Family history and psychosocial factors important for treatment planning.

Code	Description
F32.1	Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
F33.0	Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
F33.2	Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe
F33.3	Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ICD-10 code F33.1 mean?

F33.1 code represents a recurrent episode of major depression; moderate type and it is used when the patient is in the second or subsequent episode of moderate depression wherein the previous episodes were separated by at least 2 months of normal mood.

What is the difference between F33.1 and F32.1?

F32.1 code relates to the first and only episode of moderate major depression, while the code F33.1 covers recurrent episodes. Hence, the most significant difference is the depressive episode history.

What is the number of symptoms required for F33.1?

Four to five symptoms would be taken from diagnostic criteria, with core symptoms being depressed mood or anhedonia, with concomitant disturbance in sleep, decreased energy, poor concentration, or appetite.

How long must symptoms be present?

The current episode should last at least 2 weeks, and there must be a history of at least one previous major depressive episode that separates from the present episode by at least 2 months of normal mood.

Would there have been any manic episodes?

No. A history of manic or hypomanic episodes justifies a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, not recurrent for major depression.

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