According to DSM-5, a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder requires at least five of nine symptoms present during the same two-week period. Which additional rule must be satisfied?
- A Depressed mood must be present every day without exception
- B At least three somatic symptoms must be present
- C At least one symptom must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure ✓
- D Suicidal ideation must be present at least once during the episode
Correct answer: C. At least one symptom must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure
Explanation
DSM-5 requires five of nine symptoms over two weeks, representing a change from previous functioning, and at least one must be depressed mood or anhedonia. This ensures the diagnosis captures the core affective feature rather than a purely somatic presentation. The other options impose requirements that do not exist: somatic symptom counts are not specified, daily persistence allows brief exceptions such as moments of relief, and suicidality is one possible symptom but never mandatory.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 12th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.