Adjustment disorder with depressed mood

This code represents an emotional or behavioral reaction to an identifiable stressor that develops within three months of the stressor's onset. The predominant feature is a depressed mood, characterized by symptoms such as sadness, tearfulness, or feelings of hopelessness, which are in excess of what would be expected from exposure to the stressor. These symptoms cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning or marked distress.

Apply this code when a patient presents with depressive symptoms directly attributable to a recent psychosocial stressor, and these symptoms do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode or another specific mental disorder. Documentation should clearly identify the stressor and describe the patient's depressive reaction, noting that the symptoms are clinically significant but typically resolve within six months of the stressor's termination or when a new level of adaptation is achieved.

• Ensure the documentation specifies the presence of a clear stressor and a depressive mood as the primary manifestation of the adjustment disorder.
• Differentiate from Major Depressive Disorder (e.g., 296.2x, 296.3x) by the identifiable stressor and the less severe, time-limited nature of the symptoms.
• Do not use if the symptoms are better accounted for by bereavement or another specific mental disorder.