Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

For a diagnosis of major depressive episode, how long must symptoms be present?

1. One week

2. Two weeks

3. Three weeks

4. Four weeks

The correct answer is: Two weeks

For a diagnosis of a major depressive episode, it is essential that the symptoms persist for at least two weeks. This duration allows healthcare professionals to differentiate between a major depressive episode and other mood disturbances, such as transient episodes of sadness or adjustment disorders, which might not meet the criteria for major depression. The two-week timeframe is aligned with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), specifically stating that the symptoms must represent a change from previous functioning, and at least five of the specified symptoms must be present during that period. This ensures that the diagnosis is made based on a substantial and representative duration of depressive symptoms, rather than a fleeting or short-lived episode that could be part of a normal range of emotional responses.