What is the minimum number of SIGECAPS symptoms required for a diagnosis of a major depressive episode?

For a diagnosis of a major depressive episode, the criteria require that a person must experience at least five symptoms from the SIGECAPS acronym during the same two-week period. SIGECAPS stands for Sleep disturbance, Interest (loss of), Guilt or feelings of worthlessness, Energy (lack of), Concentration difficulties, Appetite (change in), Psychomotor agitation or retardation, and Suicidal ideation. This set of symptoms must represent a change from previous functioning and must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Meeting this threshold of five symptoms helps ensure that the diagnosis reflects a significant and impactful mood disorder rather than a more transient state of sadness or adjustment.