Recurrent Depressive Disorder (F33)
DSM-5-TR: Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent
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
7 subcodes
Australian Prevalence
A significant contributor to disability burden in Australia. Many individuals with depression experience recurrence — approximately 50% after a first episode, rising to 80-90% after three or more.
Global Prevalence
Recurrent depression accounts for a large proportion of the global depression burden. The WHO ranks depression as a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Duration Requirement
Individual episodes: at least two weeks. Requires ≥2 episodes separated by at least 2 months of remission.
Overview
Recurrent depressive disorder is characterised by repeated episodes of depression, without any history of independent episodes of mood elevation and increased energy (mania). Each episode typically lasts from a few weeks to months. Between episodes, the individual may return to full functioning, though some people develop persistent low-grade symptoms.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Repeated episodes of depression meeting F32 criteria
- No history of independent manic or hypomanic episodes
- Episodes typically last weeks to months
- Recovery between episodes is common but not universal
Duration
Individual episodes: at least two weeks. Requires ≥2 episodes separated by at least 2 months of remission.
Severity Specifiers
Exclusion Criteria
- Any history of mania or hypomania (use F31)
- Single depressive episode (use F32)
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F33.0 | Recurrent depressive disorder, current episode mild | |
| F33.1 | Recurrent depressive disorder, current episode moderate | |
| F33.2 | Recurrent depressive disorder, current episode severe without psychotic symptoms | |
| F33.3 | Recurrent depressive disorder, current episode severe with psychotic symptoms | |
| F33.4 | Recurrent depressive disorder, currently in remission | |
| F33.8 | Other recurrent depressive disorders | |
| F33.9 | Recurrent depressive disorder, unspecified |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Recurrent episodes of depressive reaction
- Recurrent episodes of psychogenic depression
- Recurrent episodes of reactive depression
- Seasonal depressive disorder
- Recurrent depressive disorder NOS
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Single depressive episode (F32)
- Bipolar affective disorder (F31)
Australian Clinical Context
Recurrent depression is a significant contributor to disability burden in Australia. Long-term management often involves maintenance antidepressant therapy and psychological interventions. The RANZCP guidelines recommend considering long-term prophylactic treatment after two or more episodes, particularly if episodes were severe or closely spaced.
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
Careful history-taking is essential to exclude any prior manic or hypomanic episodes, which would reclassify the diagnosis to F31. Document the number, timing, and severity of prior episodes. Maintenance treatment decisions should follow RANZCP guidelines on prophylaxis duration.
Related Assessment Tools
Related Clinical Calculators
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Recurrent Depressive Disorder (F33).
PHQ-9
Depression
A 9-item screening tool for depression severity based on DSM-IV criteria
CalculateDASS-21
Stress
A 21-item self-report measure of depression, anxiety, and stress with three 7-item subscales
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.
CalculateCES-D-R
Depression
A 20-item measure of depression symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria, revision of the original NIMH CES-D
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 Recurrent Depressive Disorder (F33).
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- RANZCP. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Mood Disorders.
- 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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