Time Limits

·         Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar lasting at least 2 years.

·         Dysthymia is a milder form of depression lasting at least 2 years.

·         Major depressive disorder, recurrent––requires 2 or more episodes lasting 2 weeks with a symptom-free interval of 2 months.

·         Manic episode Distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least 1 week.

·         Schizophrenia Periods of psychosis and disturbed behavior, a decline in functioning lasting > 6 months

(1–6 months––schizophreniform disorder; < 1 month––brief psychotic disorder, usually stress related).

·         Adjustment disorder––emotional symptoms (anxiety, depression) causing impairment following an identifiable psychosocial stressor (e.g., divorce, moving) and lasting < 6 months.

·         Generalized anxiety disorder––uncontrollable anxiety for at least 6 months that is unrelated to a specific person, situation, or event. Sleep disturbance, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are common.

·         PTSD: >1 month

·         If <1month: Acute Stress Disorder