Overview
In the United States mental illnesses are diagnosed based on a set of criteria outlined in the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM, APA, 2013). For diagnostic and organizational purposes, the DSM groups similar disorders together based on shared commonalities. Depression falls into the category of Depressive disorders, a set of disorders grouped together based on the shared presence of a sad or irritable mood. This section also includes Persistent Depressive Disorder, a longer lasting, less intense depressive episode. We will focus on the Diagnostic criteria of a Major Depressive Disorder.
Diagnostic CRITERIA Of major depressive disorder
A.) Five or more of the following symptoms are present for at least a 2-week period AND represent a change in typical functioning. Also, out of the following 9 symptoms, one must experience #1 and/or #2
C.) These symptoms are not caused by another medical condition or substances
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day. This may by subjectively reported meaning self reported or objectively reported through observation. By others
- Marked diminished interest or pleasure in all, or most activities, most of the day, nearly every day
- Unintentional weight lossor gain(more than 5% of the individuals body weight) or change in appetite, nearly every day
- Insomnia(loss of sleep) or Hypersomnia(excessive sleep), nearly every day
- Psychomotoragitation(ex: extremely restless) or retardation(ex: moving at a very slow rate) nearly everyday (must be observed by others)
- Fatigue or loss of energy, nearly everyday
- Feelings of worthlessness orexcessive or inappropriate guilt nearly everyday
- Difficulties concentrating, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
C.) These symptoms are not caused by another medical condition or substances
Diagnostic Criteria Explanied
- The diagnostic criteria of depression must be present nearly every day to be considered clinically relevant. To receive this diagnosis, one must experience either a depressed mood (symptom 1) or a diminished interest in activities (symptom 2) accompanied with 4 or more other symptoms. Symptoms must be present nearly every day for a majority of the day(in adults) however, clinicians may also exercise their own judgment when assessing an individual for depression. Meaning they may also take into consideration the individual’s history, environment and daily functioning. It is also important to note that Major Depressive Disorder is not the only form of depression. Persistent Depressive Disorder (or Dysthymia) is another type of depression characterized by a 2-year period of time rather than a 2-week period. Persistent depressive disorder is a stand-alone disorder that may also occur at the same time as major depressive disorder.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Fawcett, J.