Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in life. According to the Diagn and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), there are several criteria that must be met in order for an individual to be diagnosed with MDD.
The first criterion is that the individual must experience at least one episode of depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities for at least two weeks. This episode must be accompanied by at least four additional symptoms from a list of possible symptoms, which include changes in appetite or weight, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
The second criterion is that the symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. This means that the individual’s symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with their ability to function in their daily life.
The third criterion is that the symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance or a general medical condition. This means that the individual’s symptoms are not caused by a medical condition or the use of a medication or drug.
The fourth criterion is that the symptoms are not better accounted for by schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified. This means that the individual’s symptoms do not meet the criteria for these other mental health conditions.
Finally, the fifth criterion is that the symptoms are not due to an adjustment disorder. This means that the individual’s symptoms are not caused by an event or situation in their life, such as the loss of a loved one, that would be expected to cause a normal emotional response.
It is important to note that the diagnosis of MDD is made by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s symptoms and history. Additionally, MDD can be acute or chronic, and it can be specified by onset (such as melancholic, atypical, catatonic) and course (such as in partial remission, in full remission, and recurrent).
In conclusion, the criteria for major depressive disorder as outlined in the DSM-5 include the presence of a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities for at least two weeks, the presence of at least four additional symptoms, clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning, symptoms not being caused by a medical condition or substance use, and symptoms not meeting the criteria for other mental health conditions or adjustment disorder.