F34.1 diagnosis code at a glance
F34.1 | |
|---|---|
Official description | Dysthymic disorder |
Billable | Yes, in the FY2027 code set (effective October 1, 2026) |
Category | F34, Persistent mood [affective] disorders, a header |
Block | F30-F39, Mood [affective] disorders |
Inclusion terms | Depressive neurosis; depressive personality disorder; dysthymia; neurotic depression; persistent anxiety depression; persistent depressive disorder |
Excludes2 | Anxiety depression, mild or not persistent (F41.8) |
Changed in FY2027 | No |
Persistent depressive disorder ICD-10 code
Persistent depressive disorder is the DSM‑5‑TR name; dysthymic disorder is the ICD‑10‑CM one. You don't need a crosswalk to connect them. "Persistent depressive disorder" is printed as an inclusion term under F34.1 in the FY2027 tabular, and the index entry Disorder, depressive, persistent goes to F34.1 too.
Older wording lands in the same place. The index sends depressive neurosis, neurotic depression and "Personality, depressive" to F34.1. It also sends "hypothymic" personality there, a term you'll still meet in old records. If a prior provider's summary uses any of these, the current code is F34.1.
One near miss: "Disorder, mood, persistent" without the word dysthymia indexes to F34.9, persistent mood [affective] disorder, unspecified. Write the specific diagnosis.
Can F34.1 be coded with F32 or F33?
Yes, when both are diagnosed. Category F32 has an Excludes1 note for recurrent depression, bipolar disorder and manic episodes. F33 has one for bipolar disorder and manic episodes. Neither lists F34. F34 and F34.1 carry no Excludes1 note of their own. So a client with long‑standing dysthymia who is now in a moderate major depressive episode can carry F34.1 and F32.1, or F34.1 and F33.1 if it isn't the first episode.
Clinicians often call that pattern double depression. The phrase isn't in the ICD‑10‑CM index, so code each disorder separately and explain the relationship in the assessment. Put the condition that's the main focus of the visit first.
F34.1 vs nearby codes
What the note describes | Code |
|---|---|
Dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder | F34.1 |
Cyclothymia or cyclothymic disorder | F34.0 |
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder | F34.81 |
Other specified persistent mood disorder | F34.89 |
Persistent mood disorder, type not stated | F34.9 |
Mild or short-lived mixed anxiety and depression | F41.8 |
Depression with no further detail | F32.A |
The Excludes2 note matters for clients who are anxious as well as low. Persistent anxiety depression is F34.1. Anxiety depression that is mild or not persistent is F41.8. Because it's an Excludes2, both can be reported if the client really has both, and the note then needs to show why.
Related pages: F32.A, F32.9, F33.0, F41.1 and F41.9.
What to document for F34.1
- How long the low mood has lasted, with a start point the client can name, such as "since my second year of college".
- That it has been present most of the time, and any stretches when it lifted.
- Current symptoms and how they affect work and relationships.
- Whether a major depressive episode is happening now. If it is, code it as well.
- Any history of mania or hypomania, since that would point toward bipolar or cyclothymic codes.
- A dated PHQ-9 or similar score, if you use one.
Example, fictional client. Client, 34, accountant, says she has felt "flat and tired" most days since her early twenties. Never more than a few good weeks in a row. Works full time, describes it as getting through. No history of elevated mood. No current major depressive episode. PHQ‑9 is 11. Denies suicidal thoughts. Assessment: dysthymic disorder (F34.1), long‑standing. Plan: weekly sessions using behavioral activation, discuss a medication consult with her PCP, PHQ‑9 monthly.
Dysthymia can mean a long course of therapy, so a treatment plan with concrete, dated goals does a lot of the work when a payer asks why care continues.
Billing F34.1
CPT code | Typical use with F34.1 |
|---|---|
90791 | Diagnostic evaluation at intake |
90792 | Psychiatric evaluation by a prescriber, when medication is being considered |
90832, 90837 | Individual psychotherapy, by session length |
96127 | A scored PHQ-9 or other brief measure |
Code pages: 90791, 90792, 90832, 90837 and 96127.
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Common mistakes with F34.1
- Looking for a separate persistent depressive disorder code. There isn't one. It's F34.1.
- Dropping F34.1 when a major episode starts. The dysthymia doesn't go away. Code both if both are present.
- F34.9 by accident. "Persistent mood disorder" without the word dysthymia indexes to the unspecified code.
- No duration in the note. The diagnosis depends on how long the mood has been low, and the code can't show it.
- Missed elevated moods. Periods of hypomania suggest F34.0 or a bipolar code instead.
If you use an AI scribe like Twofold, make sure the duration and the "no current major episode" line survive into the signed note.
Checked against the FY2027 ICD‑10‑CM code set from CMS on October 19, 2026. F34.1 and the rest of category F34 did not change this year.