Major depressv disorder, recurrent severe w/o psych features

This code signifies a severe form of major depressive disorder that has occurred multiple times, characterized by significant impairment in functioning, but without the presence of hallucinations, delusions, or other psychotic symptoms. Patients experience profound sadness, anhedonia, and other depressive symptoms that interfere with daily life.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of recurrent major depressive disorder with current symptoms meeting criteria for a severe episode, and explicitly states the absence of psychotic features. This diagnosis is typically made by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional based on clinical interview and diagnostic criteria.

• Ensure documentation specifies "recurrent" and "severe" to differentiate from single episodes or less severe presentations.
• Verify the absence of psychotic features; if present, a different code (e.g., F33.3) would be appropriate.
• Consider sequencing with other mental health codes if co-occurring conditions are present, with the primary reason for the encounter listed first.