What is a symptom duration criterion for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

For diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a key symptom duration criterion is that an individual must experience symptoms for at least two weeks. This timeframe is essential because it helps differentiate a major depressive episode from less severe mood disturbances or transient feelings of sadness that do not meet the diagnostic threshold.

The two-week duration ensures that the symptoms are significant enough to impact daily functioning or quality of life, which is a crucial aspect of the diagnosis. MDD is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, and various other emotional and physical symptoms. If the symptoms persist for this defined period, they may substantiate a diagnosis of MDD, leading to appropriate intervention and treatment.

In the context of the other options, durations shorter than two weeks, such as one week, do not provide sufficient time for the evaluation of the severity and impact of depressive symptoms. Choices suggesting three weeks or six weeks extend the required duration unnecessarily, potentially delaying treatment for individuals who are in need of support. Therefore, the two-week criterion strikes a balance between ensuring that the symptoms are neither too brief to be significant nor excessively prolonged before a diagnosis can be established.