Which statement best distinguishes major depressive disorder from persistent depressive disorder according to DSM-5-TR?

Which statement best distinguishes major depressive disorder from persistent depressive disorder according to DSM-5-TR?

• A. Major depressive disorder requires five or more symptoms during a two-week period with depressed mood or anhedonia; persistent depressive disorder requires depressed mood most of the day for at least two years with fewer symptoms.
• B. Major depressive disorder requires two symptoms for one week; persistent depressive disorder requires six months of persistent anxiety.
• C. Major depressive disorder requires three symptoms for one month; persistent depressive disorder requires one year of depressed mood with impairment.
• D. Major depressive disorder requires manic episodes; persistent depressive disorder requires hypomanic episodes.

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how DSM-5-TR distinguishes major depressive disorder from persistent depressive disorder by duration and symptom burden. Major depressive disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences at least five symptoms during a two-week period, and at least one of those symptoms is depressed mood or anhedonia. Persistent depressive disorder is a chronic condition defined by depressed mood most of the day for most days, for at least two years (one year for children/adolescents), with fewer symptoms overall than those required for major depressive disorder. This combination of a higher symptom count in a short window versus a longer, ongoing period with fewer symptoms is what sets the two apart. The other statements misstate criteria in various ways—some understate the required symptoms or shorten the duration, some introduce anxiety as the primary feature, and one mentions manic or hypomanic episodes, which are not part of either disorder’s criteria.

The main idea being tested is how DSM-5-TR distinguishes major depressive disorder from persistent depressive disorder by duration and symptom burden. Major depressive disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences at least five symptoms during a two-week period, and at least one of those symptoms is depressed mood or anhedonia. Persistent depressive disorder is a chronic condition defined by depressed mood most of the day for most days, for at least two years (one year for children/adolescents), with fewer symptoms overall than those required for major depressive disorder. This combination of a higher symptom count in a short window versus a longer, ongoing period with fewer symptoms is what sets the two apart. The other statements misstate criteria in various ways—some understate the required symptoms or shorten the duration, some introduce anxiety as the primary feature, and one mentions manic or hypomanic episodes, which are not part of either disorder’s criteria.