F32.1 – Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate

F32.1 diagnosis code: Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate

The ICD-10-CM code F32.1 is used to diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) characterized by a single episode of moderate severity. This classification is appropriate when an individual experiences a moderate depression without a history of prior depressive episodes.

Symptoms may include a persistent low mood, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, marked tiredness, and considerable distress, but without psychotic features such as hallucinations or delusions. Additional symptoms include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, and psychomotor activity.

Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment help patients overcome their depressive symptoms and regain normal functioning.

Is F32.1 billable?

This code is billable and falls under the ICD-10-CM Chapter 5: Mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental Disorders. Healthcare providers need to document the onset of moderate or major depression and the severity of the depressive episode accurately to ensure proper classification and treatment planning.

Clinical information

Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate, is diagnosed when an individual exhibits symptoms that are more severe than mild depression but do not meet the criteria for severe depression and a mental disorder. The moderate severity indicates that the depressive symptoms cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.​

It's important to differentiate this condition from other mood disorders:​

• Bipolar disorder: Characterized by alternating episodes of depression and manic episodes or hypomanic episodes.​
• Recurrent depressive disorder: Involves repeated episodes of depression, whereas F32.1 pertains to a single episode.

Synonyms include

• Moderate major depressive disorder​
• Moderate major depression​
• Depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
• Major depression, single episode, moderate​
• Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate with anxious distress​
• Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate with catatonia​
• Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate with mixed features
• Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate with peripartum onset

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for major depressive disorder

• F32.0: Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild
• F32.2: Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features
• F32.3: Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe with psychotic features
• F33.1: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate