Depression

Question 1

What is depression?

Answer 1

A mental disorder characterised by low mood and low energy levels

Question 2

What are the DSM-5 categories of depression?

Answer 2

1. Major depressive disorder- severe but short term
2. Persistent depressive disorder- long term or recurring
3. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder- childhood temper tantrum
4. Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder- change in mood during/before menstruation

Question 3

What are 4 behavioural characteristics of depression?

Answer 3

1. Activity levels:
   -Psychomotor agitation= fidgeting, pacing etc
   -Lack of energy= less chatty, less sociable etc
2. Sleep- change in sleep patterns. Could be none or too much
3. Eating behaviour- loss of appetite, eating too much
4. Aggression and self harm- Aggression towards self, verbal and physical etc

Question 4

What are 3 emotional characteristics of depression?

Answer 4

1. Lowered mood- feeling nothing and empty, links to activity levels
2. Anger- directed at self or others, links to aggression
3. Lowered self esteem- how much we like ourselves, can lead to self loathing

Question 5

What are 3 cognitive characteristics of depression?

Answer 5

1. Poor concentration- inability to focus or stick to a task, difficulty making decisions
2. Attending to the negative- only focusing on the negative and have a bias towards negativity
3. Absolutist thinking- thinking in extremes (black and white thinking) and catastrophising, links to lowered mood