Major depressive disorder diagnosis requires at least how many MSIGECAPS symptoms for a minimum duration?

• A. 5 symptoms for at least 1 week
• B. 5 symptoms for at least 2 weeks
• C. 3 symptoms for at least 2 weeks
• D. 6 symptoms for at least 2 weeks

Answer: (B)

Major depressive disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences five or more symptoms from the MSIGECAPS cluster during the same two-week period, with at least one of those symptoms being depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure. These symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment and not be due to substances or another medical condition. The minimum threshold is five symptoms over at least two weeks, which is why five symptoms for a minimum of two weeks is the best choice. If there are only three symptoms, or if they persist for less than two weeks, the criteria aren’t met. Having more than five symptoms over two weeks would also fit, but the question asks for the minimum required.