Criteria for Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders DSM-5 outlines the criteria for depression diagnosis. All mental health professionals in the United States use it as a guide.
Criterion A
Five or more for the following must be present.
1. Depressed mood nearly every day.
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
3. Weight loss or gain.
4. Too little or too much sleep.
5. Restlessness or too little activity.
6. Fatigue / tiredness.
7. Feelings of worthlessness.
8. Difficulty concentrating and/or indecisiveness.
9. Thoughts about death or harming yourself.
Criterion B
Symptoms cause significant distress in your relationships, at work or school, or in other important areas of your life.
Criterion C
Medicine or recreational drugs, or a medical condition are not causing the symptoms.
Criterion D & E
Your symptoms are not caused by another psychiatric disorder, such as Bipolar Disorder.