Which statement describes the diagnostic threshold for Persistent Depressive Disorder?

• A. A major depressive episode is required.
• B. Psychotic features are required.
• C. Depressed mood occurs most of the day for at least 2 years (1 for child/adolescent).
• D. Symptoms must be episodic with full remission between episodes.

Answer: (C)

Persistent Depressive Disorder is defined by a long-standing, low-grade mood that is present most of the day and on the majority of days for a sustained period. The key threshold is that this depressed mood lasts for at least two years in adults (one year in children or adolescents). During that two-year span, there shouldn’t be a gap of more than two consecutive months without symptoms. This emphasis on chronicity is what sets PDD apart from a single episode of major depression. It’s also not required to have psychotic features, and having or not having periods of more intense depressive episodes does not determine the diagnosis—the mood simply needs to be persistently present over the two-year window.