Final answer:
For a diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder (PDD), symptoms must be present for two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents. The key symptoms include a depressed mood, changes in appetite, and sleeping issues among others.option d.
Step-by-step explanation:
To receive a diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, an individual must have experienced symptoms for a period of two years for adults and at least one year for children and adolescents. These symptoms of depression, which can vary in intensity, include a depressed mood for most of the day, changes in appetite, sleeping issues, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness.
Option D: 2 years is therefore the correct answer to the question regarding how long symptoms must be present for an individual to be diagnosed with PDD. Persistently experiencing such depression symptoms is crucial for healthcare providers to consider this chronic form of depression that does not reach the severity of major depressive disorder but still has a significant impact on an individual's quality of life.