DSM-5 criteria - symptoms in the same 2-week period, a change from previous function.
The Major Depressive Episode is a psychosocial scoring tool used in paediatric practice. DSM-5 criteria - symptoms in the same 2-week period, a change from previous function. It scores 9 criteria and interprets the total across 2 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.
9. They are Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day (children/adolescents: can be irritable mood); Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities; Significant weight change or appetite change (children: failure to make expected weight gain); Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day; Psychomotor agitation or retardation observable by others; Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day; and others.
The total is interpreted as: any score - Below threshold: fewer than 5 symptoms in the same 2-week period; 5 criteria met or more - Threshold met: ≥5 symptoms over the same 2 weeks - and at least ONE must be depressed mood or loss of interest. Assess suicide risk now and arrange mental-health review.
No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.
DSM-5 threshold: 5 or more of the 9 criteria listed.
Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.