Adjustment disorder with depressed mood

This code signifies an emotional or behavioral reaction to an identifiable psychosocial stressor that occurs within three months of the stressor's onset. The predominant symptoms involve a depressed mood, such as sadness, tearfulness, or feelings of hopelessness, that are clinically significant but do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode. The symptoms cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents with depressive symptoms directly attributable to a specific stressor (e.g., job loss, divorce, bereavement) and these symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder. Documentation should clearly identify the stressor, the temporal relationship between the stressor and symptom onset, and the depressive nature of the symptoms.

• Ensure the documentation specifies a clear psychosocial stressor and that symptoms began within three months of its occurrence.
• Differentiate from Major Depressive Disorder (F32.x) by confirming symptoms do not meet full criteria for a major depressive episode.
• Avoid using this code if the reaction is an exacerbation of a pre-existing mental disorder or if the symptoms persist for more than six months after the termination of the stressor (or its consequences).