Duration Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder

A 45-year-old female client presents to the outpatient clinic expressing feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness over the past several months. She reports difficulty in sleeping and decreased appetite, which has led to significant weight loss. The client states that her daily functioning has been increasingly impaired, affecting her ability to work and socialize. After an assessment, the mental health nurse determines that these symptoms may represent a major mood disorder.

In the context of mood disorders, it is crucial to recognize that the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) often last for at least ______ (insert the minimum duration) weeks.