Depression

Question 1

What is the prevalence of depression?

Answer 1

Globally, 3.8% of population
19% of adults have diagnosis at some point in their lifetime
More females diagnosed than males

Question 2

What is the prevalence of depression in minorities?

Answer 2

LGBT community report higher rates
Racism a predictor of poorer mental health

Question 3

What is the DSM 5 diagnostic criteria?

Answer 3

2+ weeks of depressed mood
Presence of 4 additional symptoms
General characteristics include: profoundly sad mood, loss of interest in activities and relationships, disturbance of appetite, weight, sleep and activity, suicidal thoughts

Question 4

Describe the attribution cognitive theory of depression.

Answer 4

Evolved from learned helplessness theory, prior exposure to uncontrollable negative life events leads to perceived lack of control
Without depression: unstable, specific and external
With depression: stable, global and internal

Question 5

Describe Beck’s cognitive theory of depression

Answer 5

Cognitive triad - negative views of self, current experiences and the future
Negative schemata maintains cognitive triad
Faulty information processing/cognitive biases

Question 6

What is the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)?

Answer 6

Inventory for measuring depression
Provides a quantitative assessment of the severity of the depression
Not a tool for diagnosis

Question 7

How does Beck’s cognitive therapy for depression work?

Answer 7

Cognitive restructuring:
Monitor negative thoughts
Recognise their effects on feelings
Substitute more positive ones in their place
Requires homework done by patient and a good therapist/client relationship