Which disorder is defined by at least two weeks of five or more symptoms, with at least one symptom being depressed mood or loss of interest?

Which disorder is defined by at least two weeks of five or more symptoms, with at least one symptom being depressed mood or loss of interest?

• A. Bipolar Disorder
• B. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• C. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• D. Major Depressive Disorder

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is the diagnostic threshold for Major Depressive Disorder. To meet the diagnosis, a person must experience at least two weeks during which five or more symptoms are present, and at least one of those symptoms is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia). These symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment and cannot be better explained by another medical condition or substance. The other disorders described center on different core features—bipolar disorder requires manic or hypomanic episodes; PTSD revolves around trauma-related symptoms; OCD involves obsessions and compulsions. Because the two-week period with five or more symptoms including depressed mood or loss of interest is the defining pattern for Major Depressive Disorder, this option best fits.

The main concept here is the diagnostic threshold for Major Depressive Disorder. To meet the diagnosis, a person must experience at least two weeks during which five or more symptoms are present, and at least one of those symptoms is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia). These symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment and cannot be better explained by another medical condition or substance. The other disorders described center on different core features—bipolar disorder requires manic or hypomanic episodes; PTSD revolves around trauma-related symptoms; OCD involves obsessions and compulsions. Because the two-week period with five or more symptoms including depressed mood or loss of interest is the defining pattern for Major Depressive Disorder, this option best fits.