- F32
- Mood Disorders
Depressive Episode (F32)
DSM-5-TR: Major Depressive Disorder
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
- ICD-10 RangeF30-F39
- Subcodes6 subcodes
- Australian PrevalenceMost commonly treated mental health condition in Australian general practice. Approximately 7.5% of adults experienced a depressive episode in the past 12 months (ABS 2020-21).
- Global PrevalenceWHO estimates 280 million people worldwide affected. Lifetime prevalence approximately 10-15%.
- Duration RequirementAt least two weeks
Overview
A depressive episode involves lowered mood, reduced energy, and decreased activity persisting for at least two weeks. Capacity for enjoyment, interest, and concentration is typically reduced. Sleep is usually disturbed and appetite diminished. Self-esteem and self-confidence are almost always reduced, with guilt or worthlessness common even in the mild form.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure (anhedonia)
- Reduced energy leading to increased fatiguability and diminished activity
- Reduced concentration and attention
- Reduced self-esteem and self-confidence
- Ideas of guilt and unworthiness
- Disturbed sleep
- Diminished appetite
Duration At least two weeks
Severity Specifiers
- Mild (F32.0): 2-3 symptoms, able to continue most activities
- Moderate (F32.1): 4+ symptoms, considerable difficulty continuing activities
- Severe without psychosis (F32.2): several marked symptoms, suicidal ideation common
- Severe with psychosis (F32.3): hallucinations, delusions, or psychomotor retardation
Exclusion Criteria
- History of manic or hypomanic episodes (use F31)
- Recurrent episodes (use F33)
- Depression due to psychoactive substance use (F10-F19)
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F32.0 | Mild depressive episode | Two or three core depressive symptoms present. The person is usually distressed but able to continue with most activities. |
| F32.1 | Moderate depressive episode | Four or more symptoms present. Considerable difficulty in continuing with ordinary activities. |
| F32.2 | Severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms | Several marked and distressing symptoms. Loss of self-esteem and ideas of worthlessness or guilt likely prominent. Suicidal thoughts and acts common. |
| F32.3 | Severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms | Severe depression accompanied by hallucinations, delusions, psychomotor retardation, or stupor. |
| F32.8 | Other depressive episodes | Includes atypical depression and single episodes of "masked" depression. |
| F32.9 | Depressive episode, unspecified | Depression NOS (not otherwise specified). |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Single episodes of depressive reaction
- Major depression (single episode)
- Psychogenic depression (single episode)
- Reactive depression (single episode)
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Recurrent depressive disorder (F33)
- Adjustment disorders (F43.2)
Excludes2 (may co-occur)
- Bipolar affective disorder (F31)
Australian Clinical Context
Depression is the most commonly treated mental health condition in Australian general practice. GPs manage the majority of depressive episodes using the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative (MBS items 2700–2717 for Mental Health Treatment Plans). RANZCP and the Australian Psychological Society provide evidence-based treatment guidelines. PBS-subsidised antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) are first-line pharmacological treatments.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Better Access to Mental Health Care
The primary Medicare pathway for mental health treatment in Australia. Requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral. Available for any clinically diagnosed mental disorder.
10 individual + 10 group sessions per calendar year
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 80000–80025 | Psychological therapy (higher rebate) |
| Registered Psychologist | 80100–80123 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Occupational Therapist | 80125–80145 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Social Worker | 80150–80175 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Psychiatrist | 291, 296–299, 300–308 | Psychiatric consultation |
GP referral items: 2700, 2701, 2715, 2717
Eligibility: Any clinically diagnosed mental disorder as defined by WHO ICD-10 Chapter V. Requires a GP or psychiatrist referral.
Exclusions:
- Intellectual disability (use Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder pathway or specialist referral)
- Dementia and organic mental disorders (use specialist referral pathway)
- Tobacco use disorder
Grounded Scribe suggests the right MBS item codes from your recording so you can claim accurately without re-keying.
Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
F32 is used for a single (first) depressive episode. For recurrent depression, use F33. Always document severity level, presence of psychotic features, suicidal ideation, and functional impact. The PHQ-9 is the most widely used screening and monitoring tool in Australian primary care. Risk assessment is essential for moderate-to-severe presentations.
Related Assessment Tools
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Depressive Episode (F32).
- PHQ-9
DepressionA 9-item screening tool for depression severity that maps onto the DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteriaCalculate → - PHQ-2
DepressionA 2-item ultra-brief screener for depression, using the first two items of the PHQ-9Calculate → - DASS-21
StressA 21-item self-report measure of depression, anxiety, and stress with three 7-item subscalesCalculate → - DASS-42
StressThe full 42-item self-report measure of depression, anxiety, and stress with three 14-item subscales. Provides more detailed assessment than the DASS-21.Calculate → - CES-D-R
DepressionA 20-item measure of depression symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria, revision of the original NIMH CES-DCalculate → - GDS-15
GeriatricA 15-item yes/no screening tool for depression in older adults (55+)Calculate → - CORE-10
Clinical OutcomesA 10-item measure of psychological distress for monitoring clinical outcomes in therapyCalculate → - CORE-OM
Clinical OutcomesA 34-item pan-theoretical measure of psychological global distress covering four domains: subjective well-being, problems/symptoms, life functioning, and risk/harm.Calculate →
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Depressive Episode (F32).
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use F32 vs F33?
F32 is used for a single (first) depressive episode. Once a person has had two or more depressive episodes, subsequent episodes should be coded under F33 (Recurrent Depressive Disorder). If there is any history of mania or hypomania, use F31 instead.
What screening tools are recommended for depression in Australia?
The PHQ-9 is the most widely recommended screening tool for depression in Australian primary care. The K-10 is also commonly used, particularly in population health surveys. The DASS-21 provides a combined measure of depression, anxiety, and stress.
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- RANZCP. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Mood Disorders.
- Beyond Blue & RACGP. Clinical practice guidelines for depression and related disorders in adults.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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