What is a primary requirement for diagnosing major depressive disorder?

The primary requirement for diagnosing major depressive disorder is the presence of five or more symptoms from the SIGECAPS criteria for a duration of at least two weeks. SIGECAPS stands for Sleep disturbances, Interest loss (anhedonia), Guilt or feelings of worthlessness, Energy loss (fatigue), Concentration difficulties, Appetite changes, Psychomotor agitation or retardation, and Suicidal thoughts.

The emphasis on a duration of two weeks is crucial in differentiating major depressive disorder from transient mood changes or an adjustment disorder. This time frame allows for the assessment of the persistence and severity of the symptoms in a way that indicates a significant impact on an individual's functioning. Diagnosing major depressive disorder requires not only symptom count but also the recognition that these symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

In contrast, the other options present lesser criteria or alternative symptom groups that do not meet the established diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder as per recognized guidelines. For example, the requirement of just one week's duration or a lower count of symptoms does not align with the standards set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which outlines the need for more substantial and longer-lasting symptoms for