ICD-10-CM F34.1

ICD-10 Code F34.1: Dysthymic disorder (persistent depressive disorder)

F34.1 is the ICD-10-CM code for dysthymic disorder. DSM-5-TR calls this persistent depressive disorder and crosswalks it to F34.1. It describes a long-lasting depressed mood rather than a discrete major depressive episode.

Official description
Dysthymic disorder
Billable
Yes
Parent category
F34 · Persistent mood [affective] disorders
DSM-5-TR name
Persistent depressive disorder

Verified against the FY2027 ICD-10-CM code set (CDC/NCHS and CMS), effective October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027, on . Chapter 5: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders (F01-F99).

Coding notes for F34.1

  • DSM-5-TR persistent depressive disorder codes to F34.1
  • Document the duration of the depressed mood, since chronicity is what defines it
  • A major depressive episode on top of it may be coded separately when diagnosed

What to document for medical necessity

Payers look for a record that supports the diagnosis and the level of care. For depressive disorders that usually means:

  • The symptoms that support the diagnosis and how long they have been present
  • The current severity (mild, moderate, severe) and how you arrived at it - a scored measure such as the PHQ-9 helps
  • Whether this is a first episode or a recurrence, since that decides F32 versus F33
  • Functional impairment at work, school, home, or in relationships
  • Risk assessment, including suicidal ideation, at intake and when it changes
  • Treatment plan goals tied to the depressive symptoms you are treating

CPT codes often billed with F34.1

The ICD-10 code says why you are treating the client and the CPT code says what you did. These are the service codes most often paired with F34.1:

90791 · Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (intake) 90834 · 45-minute individual psychotherapy 90837 · 60-minute individual psychotherapy 96127 · Brief emotional or behavioral assessment

Free templates for this diagnosis

Related ICD-10 codes

F32.A · Depression, unspecified F33.1 · Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate F32.1 · Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-10 code for persistent depressive disorder?

F34.1. The official ICD-10-CM descriptor is “Dysthymic disorder”, and DSM-5-TR maps persistent depressive disorder to it.

Is dysthymia the same as F34.1?

Yes. Dysthymia and dysthymic disorder both code to F34.1.

This page is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, billing, or legal advice. The diagnosis is the treating clinician's call, and payer rules vary - always confirm against the current ICD-10-CM code set and official guidelines and your payer's policy. See the full mental health ICD-10 code list.