## DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder **Key Point:** The core diagnostic requirement for MDD is a 2-week minimum duration of depressed mood or anhedonia, plus at least 5 additional symptoms from the diagnostic cluster. ### Timeline Requirements | Duration | Clinical Significance | | --- | --- | | < 2 weeks | Does NOT meet MDD criteria; may be adjustment disorder or brief depressive episode | | ≥ 2 weeks | Meets minimum temporal criterion for MDD diagnosis | | Persistent | Symptoms must be present nearly every day during the 2-week period | **High-Yield:** The 2-week rule is one of the most frequently tested DSM-5 criteria in NEET PG psychiatry. It distinguishes MDD from: - Adjustment disorder with depressed mood (< 3 months duration, triggered by stressor) - Bereavement (grief reaction, though MDD can coexist) - Brief depressive episodes (< 2 weeks) **Clinical Pearl:** The 2-week window applies to the *entire episode*, not just individual symptoms. All 5+ symptoms must cluster within this 14-day minimum period. ### Associated Criteria - Symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or functional impairment - Episode must not be attributable to substance use, medical condition, or other psychiatric disorder - No history of manic or hypomanic episodes (which would indicate bipolar disorder) [cite:DSM-5 Major Depressive Disorder]
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