A period of at least two weeks with depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure defines which episode?

• A. Manic episode
• B. Panic Attack
• C. Major depressive episode
• D. Hypomanic episode

Answer: (C)

Major depressive episode is defined by a period of at least two weeks with depressed mood or diminished interest or pleasure. In the DSM-5, either depressed mood or anhedonia must be present for at least two weeks, and there are typically additional symptoms (such as changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, or recurrent thoughts of death) that together total five or more symptoms. This combination differentiates it from other mood states.

Manic and hypomanic episodes involve elevated or irritable mood with increased energy and activities, lasting for at least one week (or four days for hypomania) and often include symptoms like grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, and reckless behavior. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear with physical symptoms, not a sustained mood disturbance over weeks. So the described two-week pattern with depressed mood or loss of interest points to a major depressive episode.