psychiatry

DSM-5 Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder

DSM-5 diagnostic criteria checklist for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Requires ≥5 symptoms for ≥2 weeks, with at least one being depressed mood or anhedonia, causing significant distress or functional impairment.

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day (subjective or observed)*

Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all (or almost all) activities most of the day*

Significant weight change (>5% body weight in a month) OR change in appetite nearly every day*

Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day*

Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others)*

Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day*

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day*

Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day*

Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, or a suicide attempt*

At least ONE core symptom present: depressed mood (item 1) or anhedonia (item 2)*

Symptoms present for ≥2 consecutive weeks*

Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other functioning*

Score interpretation

Criteria Not Met 0–6

Fewer than 5 criteria met OR no core symptom OR insufficient duration/impairment

→ Consider subsyndromal depression or other mood disorder; PHQ-9 for severity; monitor; lifestyle interventions; consider dysthymia (PDD) if chronic low-grade depressive symptoms

MDD Criteria Met 7–12

≥5 DSM-5 criteria met with core symptom, duration, and functional impairment — MDD diagnosis

→ Confirm diagnosis clinically; exclude bipolar disorder (MDQ); assess suicide risk (C-SSRS); PHQ-9 for severity; initiate treatment (SSRI + CBT); refer to psychiatry if severe, psychotic features, bipolar concern, or risk; document safety plan

Interpretation bands for the DSM-5 MDD. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). 2013.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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