According to DSM-5-TR criteria, Major Depressive Disorder requires at least five of nine symptoms during the same 2-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or anhedonia, and the symptoms must cause distress or impairment.

According to DSM-5-TR criteria, Major Depressive Disorder requires at least five of nine symptoms during the same 2-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or anhedonia, and the symptoms must cause distress or impairment.

• A. At least five of nine DSM-5-TR symptoms must be present during the same 2-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or anhedonia
• B. At least five of nine DSM-5-TR symptoms present during the same 2-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or anhedonia, and the symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment
• C. At least two symptoms must be present for one week
• D. All nine symptoms must be present for two weeks

Answer: (B)

Understanding this question means focusing on how Major Depressive Disorder is defined in the DSM-5-TR. The diagnosis requires five or more of the nine possible depressive symptoms occurring during the same two-week period, and at least one of those symptoms must be depressed mood or anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure). In addition, these symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning, such as in social, work, or other important areas. The impairment part is crucial because it distinguishes a diagnosable mood disorder from milder or temporary sadness. Also, not all nine symptoms need to be present—five or more suffice—as long as one is depressed mood or anhedonia and the period is two weeks. Choices that omit the impairment criterion, or require fewer symptoms, or demand all nine symptoms, don’t align with the DSM-5-TR criteria.

Understanding this question means focusing on how Major Depressive Disorder is defined in the DSM-5-TR. The diagnosis requires five or more of the nine possible depressive symptoms occurring during the same two-week period, and at least one of those symptoms must be depressed mood or anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure). In addition, these symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning, such as in social, work, or other important areas. The impairment part is crucial because it distinguishes a diagnosable mood disorder from milder or temporary sadness. Also, not all nine symptoms need to be present—five or more suffice—as long as one is depressed mood or anhedonia and the period is two weeks. Choices that omit the impairment criterion, or require fewer symptoms, or demand all nine symptoms, don’t align with the DSM-5-TR criteria.