A major depressive episode is characterized by five or more symptoms present during a two-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or anhedonia. Which term describes this diagnosis?

• A. Major Depressive Episode
• B. Manic Episode
• C. Hypomanic Episode
• D. Unspecified Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorder

Answer: (A)

That description centers on the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode. To meet this, a person must have at least five symptoms occurring during the same two-week period, and at least one of those symptoms must be depressed mood or anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure). These symptoms must represent a change from previous functioning and cause clinically significant distress or impairment. This combination specifically identifies a Major Depressive Episode.

This is distinct from a manic or hypomanic episode, which involve persistently elevated or irritable mood and increased energy, with different duration and impairment patterns. It’s also different from schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, which are defined by psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations rather than a mood-focused symptom cluster.