Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
Note: Do not include symptoms that are clearly due to a medical condition.
Symptoms
1. Depressed mood
Depressed most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad, empty, hopeless) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). Note: Do not include symptoms that are clearly due to a medical condition.
2. Anhedonia
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others).
3. Weight or appetite change
Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. Note: Will not be assessed if entirely due to somatic treatment.
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia
Nearly every day.
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).
6. Fatigue or loss of energy
Nearly every day.
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
Nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others).
9. Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempt
Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
Additional Criteria
Symptoms represent a change from previous functioning?
Symptoms present nearly every day for at least the past 2 weeks?
Do the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning?
Are the symptoms not better explained by the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., drug of abuse, medication) or another medical condition?
Is there no history of a manic or hypomanic episode?
0/9 — Negative
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Instructions
The DSM-5 criteria provide a structured way to diagnose Major Depressive Disorder. A clinician should assess whether the individual meets the required number of symptoms, their duration, and the level of impairment in daily functioning.
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