A major depressive episode is defined by the DSM as a period of two weeks or more where a person has either * depressed mood (can be irritable in children) or * the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities and may also have the following symptoms (at least 5 or more) nearly every day: To meet clinical standards these symptoms also must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The condition is also not caused or explained by the following: