To be diagnosed with clinical depression, how many weeks must a person meet the requirements?

To be diagnosed with clinical depression, a person must experience symptoms for at least two weeks. This time frame is established as part of the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Within this two-week period, a person needs to have a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, along with additional symptoms that may include changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and difficulty concentrating, among others.

The two-week duration is significant because it helps differentiate clinical depression from temporary feelings of sadness or situational depression, ensuring that only those with a more persistent and pervasive condition receive the diagnosis and subsequent treatment. This structured timeframe aids mental health professionals in identifying the disorder more accurately and allows for appropriate intervention.