Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features
ICD-10 F33.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe depression that significantly impair an individual's ability to function in daily life. The recurrent nature of this disorder indicates that the patient has experienced multiple episodes of depression, each lasting at least two weeks. In the case of F33.2, these episodes are classified as severe, meaning they are marked by profound sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, significant weight changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Importantly, this diagnosis does not include psychotic features, such as hallucinations or delusions, which can complicate the clinical picture. The absence of psychotic features allows for a clearer focus on the mood disorder itself, facilitating targeted treatment approaches, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy with mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Given the recurrent nature of the disorder, ongoing assessment and management are crucial to mitigate the risk of suicide and improve the patient's quality of life.
Detailed clinical notes including patient history, severity assessment, treatment response, and risk assessments.
Patients presenting with recurrent depressive episodes, treatment-resistant depression, or those requiring hospitalization for severe symptoms.
Psychiatrists must document the absence of psychotic features clearly and provide a comprehensive treatment plan.
Thorough documentation of patient history, screening results, and follow-up care plans.
Patients with depressive symptoms presenting in a primary care setting, often with comorbid physical health issues.
Primary care providers should ensure that they assess and document any suicide risk factors and refer to mental health specialists when necessary.
Used for outpatient therapy sessions for patients diagnosed with F33.2.
Document the duration of the session, treatment goals, and patient progress.
Psychiatrists should ensure that the therapy aligns with the diagnosis and treatment plan.
F33.2 specifically refers to recurrent severe major depressive disorder without psychotic features, which is characterized by multiple episodes of severe depression, while other codes may refer to single episodes or include psychotic features.
