Differentiation between Major and Minor Depression is described as which of the following?

• A. Minor Depression is fewer than 5 symptoms for at least 2 weeks; Major Depression is 5 or More Symptoms Every Day for 2 Weeks
• B. Major Depression is 5 or More Symptoms Every Day for 2 Weeks; Minor Depression is fewer Than 5 Symptoms for at Least 2 Weeks
• C. Minor Depression is 7 Symptoms; Major Depression is 9 Symptoms
• D. Major Depression is 2 Symptoms; Minor Depression is 1

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the diagnostic threshold based on symptom count over a set time. Major depressive disorder is diagnosed when a person has at least five of the standard depressive symptoms during a two-week period, with symptoms present most days (depressed mood or loss of interest must be included among those). If someone has fewer than five symptoms in the same two-week window, that pattern is considered a subthreshold depressive state—often described as minor depression. The two-week duration is essential, and the number of symptoms determines whether the presentation meets the major threshold or the milder, subthreshold range. In practice, this distinction helps guide treatment intensity and monitoring, especially in older adults where symptom expression can vary.