In Major Depressive Disorder, how long must the depressive mood last to meet diagnostic criteria?

In Major Depressive Disorder, the criteria specified in the DSM-5 state that a depressive mood must be present for a minimum duration of two weeks for a diagnosis to be confirmed. This duration underscores the chronic nature of the disorder and distinguishes it from transient mood disturbances that may not signify a clinical condition.

The two-week guideline helps clinicians assess the severity and persistence of the symptoms, ensuring that the diagnosis reflects a significant functional impairment in the individual’s life. While some mood disturbances can occur for shorter periods, such as a week or even a few days, these do not meet the duration requirement for Major Depressive Disorder. Therefore, the focus on a two-week duration is critical as it indicates a more established pattern of depressive symptoms that warrants clinical attention and diagnosis.