According to DSM-5 criteria, how long must symptoms of depression persist for diagnosis?

For a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder as per the DSM-5 criteria, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks. This duration is critical because it helps differentiate between transient feelings of sadness and a more severe, clinical condition that significantly impairs one’s ability to function in daily life. The two-week threshold is set to ensure that the depressive symptoms are not only present but also sufficiently persistent to warrant clinical attention and intervention. This period allows for a more accurate assessment of the individual’s mental health, taking into account the requirement for symptoms to cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.