A student would need to show specific symptoms of clinical depression nearly every day, for at least two weeks, to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder (clinical depression). According to diagnostic criteria such as the DSM-5 and ICD-11, the presence of either a depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia) is required, along with at least four additional symptoms (making five or more symptoms total) during the same two-week period that represent a change from previous functioning
. These symptoms must be persistent—most of the day, nearly every day—and significantly impair the student's ability to function socially, academically, or domestically. Symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
. In children and adolescents, irritability may replace depressed mood as a symptom, but the duration and frequency criteria remain the same (nearly every day for at least two weeks)
. In summary:
- Symptoms must be present nearly every day, most of the day
- Duration must be at least two continuous weeks
- At least five symptoms must be present, including depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure
- Symptoms must cause significant impairment in daily functioning
This diagnostic threshold applies to students as it does to the general population, ensuring that transient or mild mood changes are distinguished from clinical depression requiring treatment
