What is this code?
ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents depressive episode in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
- This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.
Code hierarchy
chapter
5Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99)
block
F30-F39Mood [affective] disorders
currentF30-F39
Official coding notes
Includes
- 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
Excludes1 (do not code together)
- bipolar disorder (F31.-)
- manic episode (F30.-)
- recurrent depressive disorder (F33.-)
Excludes2 (may code together if documented)
- adjustment disorder (F43.2)
Where you may see this code
You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.
Related codes
F32.0Major depressive disorder, single episode, mildcodeF32.1Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderatecodeF32.2Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic featurescodeF32.3Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe with psychotic featurescodeF32.4Major depressive disorder, single episode, in partial remissioncodeF32.5Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remissioncodeF32.9Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecifiedcodeF32.ADepression, unspecifiedcode
Sibling codes
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
F32
Replacement codes
F32.0 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, mildF32.1 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderateF32.2 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic featuresF32.3 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe with psychotic featuresF32.4 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, in partial remissionF32.5 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, in full remissionF32.9 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecifiedF32.A — Depression, unspecified
Common synonyms
Depressive episode
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.