What distinguishes MDD from general sadness?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is distinctly characterized by the intensity and duration of depressive episodes. While general sadness can be a transient emotional response to specific life events, MDD involves a pervasive and persistent feeling of sadness that lasts for at least two weeks and significantly affects an individual's ability to function in daily life. This intensity is marked by a range of additional symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and, in some cases, thoughts of death or suicide.

In contrast, general sadness may not be as severe or enduring and tends to be more situational, resolving as the individual adapts to or processes the triggering event. MDD represents a clinical diagnosis that requires a certain number of these symptoms to be present, which is not the case with ordinary sadness. This differentiation is crucial for mental health professionals in diagnosing and developing treatment plans for individuals who may be experiencing depression versus those who are simply feeling sad in response to life experiences.