In simple words: A single episode of major depression means feeling very sad or losing interest in things you used to enjoy for at least two weeks, along with other symptoms like trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or difficulty concentrating. Once this episode is over, the symptoms don't usually come back. This type of depression can be mild, moderate, or severe, and treatment may include medicine and therapy.

Major depressive disorder, single episode, is characterized by depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in life, along with three or more other depressive symptoms impacting mental and physical function for at least two weeks.The episode resolves without recurrence.It encompasses various presentations including agitated, psychogenic, reactive, and vital depression.The disorder's severity can range from mild to severe (with or without psychosis), and may be in partial or full remission or chronic. Symptoms beyond low mood and anhedonia can include emotional distress, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, agitation, cognitive deficits, weight changes, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and sleep disturbances.Diagnosis is made by a mental health professional based on clinical assessment, history, and symptoms, without specific laboratory tests. Treatment options include antidepressants and psychotherapy, such as cognitive therapy; ECT and other brain stimulation therapies may also be considered.

Example 1: A 30-year-old woman presents with persistent sadness, loss of interest in hobbies, and significant fatigue for the past three weeks. She reports difficulty concentrating and changes in appetite.This is her first depressive episode. , A 45-year-old man experiences a single episode of major depression following the loss of his job. He exhibits irritability, sleep disturbances, and feelings of hopelessness. This is a reactive depression triggered by a significant life stressor., A 60-year-old patient presents with depressed mood, decreased energy, and significant weight loss for several months. This is their first occurrence of depression, and symptoms are severe and impacting their ability to complete daily tasks.

Detailed patient history including onset, duration, and severity of symptoms, impact on daily functioning, presence of any other mental health disorders, significant life events or stressors, family history of mental illness, current medications, substance use, and relevant physical examination findings. Mental status examination results, including mood, affect, thought processes, cognitive function, and any suicidal ideation.Treatment plan, including type and course of therapy (medications, psychotherapy, etc.) and patient response to treatment.

** This code is used for a single episode of major depressive disorder.If the patient has recurrent episodes, a different ICD-10-CM code would be appropriate.The documentation must support the diagnosis and the clinical significance of the depression episode.Always refer to the most recent edition of the ICD-10-CM coding manual for the most accurate and updated guidelines.