Major depressive disorder requires symptoms to persist for at least how long?

• A. One week
• B. Four weeks
• C. Six weeks
• D. Two weeks

Answer: (D)

The key concept is the time frame used to define a major depressive episode. For a bout of depression to be diagnosed as an episode, symptoms must be present for a minimum period of two weeks, with depressed mood or loss of interest (anhedonia) plus at least four additional symptoms, totaling five or more symptoms overall, and causing impairment or distress. This two-week window helps distinguish a true depressive episode from transient sadness or short-lived mood states.

One week is generally too short to establish a depressive episode, as mood disturbances can arise from stress or other transient factors. Four weeks is longer than the minimum required but isn’t the threshold clinicians use to define the episode. Six weeks exceeds the minimum and, while it may occur, does not define the standard duration for diagnostic purposes.