Version July 2025
| The severity of depression is determined by a combination of symptom number, frequency, severity, and duration and the degree of functional impairment. |
| Severity |
| Mild |
Individuals with mild major depression have ≥5 symptoms of depression and a PHQ-9 score of 5 to 9. They generally do not have:
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| Moderate |
Individuals with moderate major depression have ≥5 symptoms of depression and a PHQ-9 score of 10 to 19. They may have suicidal or homicidal ideation and plans. They generally do not have:
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| Severe |
Individuals with severe major depression have ≥7 symptoms of depression or a PHQ-9 score of ≥20 or any of the following:
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| Symptoms of major depression |
An episode of major depression consists of a period of at least 2 consecutive weeks with 5 or more of the following symptoms. Symptoms must be present nearly every day, and at least 1 of the symptoms must be depressed mood or anhedonia:
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