DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria summary
F33.2 requires recurrent MDD with the current episode meeting MDE criteria at severe intensity:
- At least one prior major depressive episode separated from the current by ≥2 consecutive months without meeting full criteria.
- Current major depressive episode at severe intensity, most/all 9 symptoms endorsed at high frequency, with marked functional impairment, marked psychomotor changes, severe self-loathing, or persistent suicidal ideation.
- No psychotic features (if present, code F33.3).
- No history of mania or hypomania (if present, code F31.x bipolar).
- Clinically significant distress or impairment, typically marked or severe at this severity level.
Severity codes within F33: F33.0 mild, F33.1 moderate, F33.2 severe without psychotic features, F33.3 severe with psychotic features, F33.40/F33.41/F33.42 in remission states.
Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), p. 183–192.
Differential diagnosis
- F33.3 MDD with Psychotic Features, when delusions or hallucinations are present.
- F32.2 MDD Single Episode, Severe, same severity, but first lifetime depressive episode.
- F31.4 Bipolar I, Severe Depressed without Psychotic Features, when prior mania/hypomania is identified.
- F25.0 Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type; F25.1 Schizoaffective Disorder, Depressive Type, when psychotic symptoms occur outside of mood episodes.
- Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder with severe presentation, typically resolves after sustained abstinence.
Common comorbidities
Severe MDD has very high comorbidity with anxiety, substance use, and physical conditions that may be exacerbating depression. Common comorbidities: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1), PTSD (F43.10), Substance Use Disorders (F10–F19), and chronic medical conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic pain). Routinely co-administer GAD-7, AUDIT, and (when trauma history present) PCL-5 alongside PHQ-9 and C-SSRS.
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), F33.2, p. 183–192.
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ICD-10-CM Official Coding Guidelines.