Signs & assessment
Why do duration and daily life matter when diagnosing depression?
Professionals consider how long symptoms have lasted and how much they affect a person’s life. The often-mentioned duration of at least two weeks is one diagnostic consideration; it does not establish depression by itself. [1]
General information for adults. Not medical or psychotherapeutic advice; not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment.
Sources & editorial status
- German National Clinical Practice Guideline · Chapter 2 ↗
German-language clinical guideline. Used for diagnostic assessment and the limitations of questionnaires.
Compiled from an existing article: 31 October 2026. Source comparison in the article: 29 October 2026. Prepared with AI assistance; independent medical review is pending. Editorial compilation; independent medical expert review has not taken place.
Editorial responsibility: Mario V.W.B.R. Obst. Known limitations and the use of each source are explained alongside the reference. A source-comparison date is not the publication date of the original source.