Which duration criterion is used for diagnosing major depressive disorder in the absence of substances or medical conditions?

• A. Two weeks
• B. One week
• C. One month
• D. Three months

Answer: (A)

Two weeks is the minimum duration required to diagnose major depressive disorder when the symptoms aren’t due to substances or another medical condition. This two-week window helps ensure the mood disturbance is persistent and clinically significant, not just a brief lapse. Within that period, the person must show at least five of the typical symptoms (including depressed mood or loss of interest) and experience distress or impairment. Shorter durations don’t meet the threshold, while longer-lasting symptoms can still fit MDD as long as they meet the full criteria within a two-week period.