>psychopathology - depression - characteristics Flashcards
what is meant by depression?
-classed as a mood disorder meaning that it leads to changes in mood
-not just simply ‘feeling sad’
-according to the DSM, for a diagnosis of depression, you need to have atleast 5 symptoms
according to DSM, what are the symptoms of depression?
-depressed mood, most of the day, nearly everyday
-markedly diminished interest/pleasure in all/most activities, most of the day, nearly every day
-weight loss/gain not due to dieting, or increased/decreased appetite, nearly everyday
-fatigue/loss of energy, nearly everyday
-slowing down of thought + decreased physical movement (observable by others not just on subjective tiredness/slowing down)
-diminished ability to think/concentrate or indecisiveness, nearly all day
-feelings of worthlessness/excessive inappropriate guilt, nearly every day
3 main characteristics of depression?
-behavioural
-emotional
-cognitive
behavioural characteristics?
-activity levels, low -> withdrawing from social events, jobs due to low motivation, high -> eg psychomotor agitation
-sleep, insomnia (lack), hypersomnia (chronic fatigue)
-eating habits, loss/gain in weight though not dieting, or decrease/increase in appetite
-aggression, lash out due to feelings of irritation, lead to verbal/physical aggression
emotional characteristics?
-low mood, feelings of emptiness/sadness, must have sadness/loss of interest/pleasure in normal activities to be diagnosed
-anger, directed at themselves/towards others
-low self esteem, sufferers may dislike themselves + feelings of self loathing
cognitive characteristics?
-poor concentration, difficulty staying on task, focusing, and making decisions
-negative thoughts, eg negative self concept, often may view the world negatively + expect things to turn out badly -> self fulfilling prophecy, cognitive biases -> tending to dwell on negatives more than positives
