How many symptoms are required for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) according to criteria?

A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) according to the criteria established by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) requires the presence of at least five symptoms from a specific list during the same two-week period. These symptoms must represent a change from previous functioning and include at least one of the following: a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities.

The requirement of five or more symptoms emphasizes the need for significant impairment in daily functioning, which is a hallmark of MDD. This threshold is critical in distinguishing MDD from other mood disorders or transient feelings of sadness. Since the criteria are designed to capture a severe and pervasive disruption in a person's life, identifying five symptoms ensures that the diagnosis is appropriate and reflects a more serious clinical condition.