In simple words: Recurrent depression means experiencing multiple episodes of major depression, where you feel very sad, lose interest in things, and have other symptoms like trouble sleeping or eating. These episodes happen at different times, with periods of feeling normal in between.

Major depressive disorder, recurrent, is a mental health condition marked by repeated episodes of pervasive low mood, diminished self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities typically enjoyed.These episodes are separated by periods of at least two months of normal function.Each episode must last for at least two weeks and be characterized by a combination of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite, among others.This condition significantly impairs daily functioning and can lead to various complications if left untreated.

Example 1: A 35-year-old patient presents with persistent sadness, loss of interest in hobbies, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue lasting several weeks. They report a similar episode two years prior. This aligns with F33, recurrent major depressive disorder., A patient with a history of seasonal affective disorder experiences depressive symptoms during winter months for the third consecutive year.The symptoms resolve in spring.This recurring pattern qualifies as recurrent major depressive disorder (F33)., A patient experiencing a depressive episode seeks treatment after a period of remission from a previous episode of major depression.This is an instance of recurrent major depressive disorder.

Documentation should include: detailed symptom description (mood, interest, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, etc.), duration of symptoms, frequency and severity of episodes, history of previous episodes, presence of any psychotic features, impact on daily functioning, and response to treatment. Any relevant medical or family history should also be noted.