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 Range
F30-F39
Subcodes
6 subcodes
Australian Prevalence
Most 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 Prevalence
WHO estimates 280 million people worldwide affected. Lifetime prevalence approximately 10-15%.
Duration Requirement
At 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
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 | |
| F32.1 | Moderate depressive episode | |
| F32.2 | Severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms | |
| F32.3 | Severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms | |
| F32.8 | Other depressive episodes | |
| F32.9 | Depressive episode, unspecified |
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.
| 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 |
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Social Worker
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
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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
Related Clinical Calculators
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Depressive Episode (F32).
PHQ-9
Depression
A 9-item screening tool for depression severity based on DSM-IV criteria
CalculatePHQ-2
Depression
A 2-item ultra-brief screener for depression, using the first two items of the PHQ-9
CalculateDASS-21
Stress
A 21-item self-report measure of depression, anxiety, and stress with three 7-item subscales
CalculateDASS-42
Stress
The full 42-item self-report measure of depression, anxiety, and stress with three 14-item subscales. Provides more detailed assessment than the DASS-21.
CalculateCES-D-R
Depression
A 20-item measure of depression symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria, revision of the original NIMH CES-D
CalculateGDS-15
Geriatric
A 15-item yes/no screening tool for depression in older adults (55+)
CalculateCORE-10
Clinical Outcomes
A 10-item measure of psychological distress for monitoring clinical outcomes in therapy
CalculateCORE-OM
Clinical Outcomes
A 34-item pan-theoretical measure of psychological global distress covering four domains: subjective well-being, problems/symptoms, life functioning, and risk/harm.
CalculateSend all of these bundled to your client
One link, multiple assessments completed in sequence — auto-scored back to you.
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Depressive Episode (F32).
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Clinical Scoring Calculator — Not a Diagnostic Tool
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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