Texas Basic Peace Officer Certification Practice Exam

A major depressive syndrome requires a minimum duration of how many days?

1. Fourteen days

2. One month

3. One week

4. 21 days

The correct answer is: Fourteen days

A major depressive syndrome is classified based on certain criteria that include the duration of the symptoms. According to the diagnostic criteria set forth in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), a major depressive episode must last for a minimum of two weeks, or fourteen days. This time frame is critical because it ensures that the symptoms are not just a transient mood change or influenced by external factors but are indicative of a more persistent and clinically meaningful depressive episode. Shorter durations, such as one week or less, may not capture the severity or impact of the syndrome needed for a proper diagnosis. A duration of one month or more might indicate a more chronic condition, which could complicate treatment but does not meet the fundamental criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is indeed based on the established criteria that require a minimum duration of fourteen days for a diagnosis of major depressive syndrome.