From the Guidelines
To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks, as specified by the American Psychiatric Association 1. This duration requirement is crucial in distinguishing clinical depression from normal sadness or temporary mood fluctuations that everyone experiences. The symptoms that must be present for at least two weeks include:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or nearly all, activities most of the day, nearly every day
- Significant weight loss or gain, or increased or decreased appetite nearly every day
- Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day
- Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt nearly every day
- Diminished ability to think or to concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt, or a specific plan to commit suicide These symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning and cannot be attributed to substance use, medication effects, or another medical condition, as noted in the study published in Pediatrics 1. It's essential to note that depression exists on a spectrum, and some people may experience depressive symptoms for longer periods before seeking help. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes, so if you're experiencing persistent depressive symptoms, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider even if it hasn't been a full two weeks, based on the guidelines provided by the American Psychiatric Association, as referenced in the study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
A major depressive episode (DSM–IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least 5 of the following 9 symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation. A major depressive episode implies a prominent and relatively persistent depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks); it should include at least 4 of the following 8 symptoms: change in appetite, change in sleep, psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of interest in usual activities or decrease in sexual drive, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.
You need to be depressed for at least 2 weeks to have depression as a diagnosis. 2 3
From the Research
Diagnosis of Depression
To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must exhibit at least five symptoms, with one being either depressed mood or anhedonia, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) 4. The duration of these symptoms is typically required to be at least two weeks.
Duration of Symptoms
- The DSM-5 specifies that symptoms must be present for at least two weeks to meet the diagnostic criteria for depression 4.
- There is no specific mention of the number of weeks required for a depression diagnosis in the provided studies 5, 6, 7, 8, other than the general guideline from the DSM-5.
- The focus of the studies is more on the treatment and diagnosis methods rather than the duration of symptoms 5, 6, 7, 8.
Treatment and Diagnosis Methods
- Various methods are used for diagnosing depression, including clinical criteria, interview-based instruments, and non-interview methods 5.
- Treatment options include antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and combinations of these treatments 6, 7, 8.
- The effectiveness of these treatments can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated 6, 7, 8.