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Criterion A

• Five or more symptoms are present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning.
• At least one of the symptoms is either depressed mood or markedly diminished interest or pleasure.

Criterion A symptom list

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as reported by the patient or observed by others.
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities most of the day, nearly every day.
• Significant weight loss when not dieting, significant weight gain, or a clear decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
• Psychomotor agitation or psychomotor retardation nearly every day that is observable by others, not just a subjective sense of restlessness or being slowed down.
• Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt, which may be delusional, nearly every day.
• Diminished ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions nearly every day.
• Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, a suicide attempt, or a specific suicide plan.

Criterion B

• The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Criterion C

• The episode is not attributable to a substance or another medical condition.

Criterion D

• The presentation is not better explained by a schizophrenia-spectrum or other psychotic disorder.

Criterion E

• There has never been a manic or hypomanic episode unless clearly substance- or medically induced.

Related Guides

• Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms and Signs
• Treatment-Resistant Depression
• Depression vs Grief
• Major Depressive Disorder Scales and Assessment Tools
• Major Depressive Disorder Treatments and Medications
• When to Seek Professional Help for Major Depressive Disorder