What common characteristic helps diagnose patients with major depressive disorder?

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A key characteristic that helps in diagnosing major depressive disorder is the persistence of symptoms for more than two weeks. According to the diagnostic criteria laid out in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), the presence of a depressive episode requires various symptoms—such as a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure—to be present for at least two weeks and represent a change from prior functioning. This time frame indicates that the mood disturbance is enduring and significant enough to impair social, occupational, or other critical areas of functioning. It separates major depressive disorder from temporary mood changes, which can be common in response to stressors or life events.

While lack of motivation, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of hopelessness are associated with major depressive disorder, they are not exclusive indicators. Many individuals may experience these feelings without meeting the full criteria for the disorder, especially if symptoms are not persistent over the requisite time period. Thus, the duration of symptoms is crucial for establishing a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

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