Describe the diagnostic features of major depressive disorder.

• A. At least 5 symptoms (depressed mood, anhedonia, sleep disturbance, appetite change, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, concentration problems) for at least two weeks.
• B. Exactly 3 symptoms for one week.
• C. Five symptoms for one day.
• D. Ten symptoms for one month.

Answer: (A)

Major depressive disorder is diagnosed when a person has a cluster of symptoms for a sustained period, specifically at least five symptoms occurring during the same two-week window, with at least one of those symptoms being depressed mood or anhedonia, and the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment not attributable to another medical condition or substance use.

This option is the best because it captures the essential thresholds: five or more symptoms, lasting at least two weeks, including either depressed mood or anhedonia, and it reflects the typical range of symptoms like sleep disturbance, appetite change, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and concentration problems. The duration and minimum symptom count are the critical points that distinguish major depressive disorder from shorter mood disturbances or milder forms of sadness.

Other choices fail because they propose incorrect timing or counts—such as too few symptoms, or too short or too long a duration—without meeting the required two-week window or the minimum number of symptoms needed for the diagnosis.